J T Kirk

Key West is a fun, beautiful place. Putting aside Hawaii, it is the lushest, nicest, most tropical place in the U.S. The water is divine, with super snorkling and/or scuba diving. If you like boats, then you'll like the Keys. If you like good restaurants and bars, then you'll like Key west. If you like a laid back atmosphere, you'll like the Keys. And, ah, the sunsets . . .

X

Thank you Bruce. What you are describing is what teenagers used to describe as "PDA" (Public Display of Affection"). Basically the statement (regardless of the direction it comes from) is that bedroom behavior belongs in the bedroom. Holding hands in public is one thing. Tonsil play is another.

ilisa

Jason, you said you don't want to expose your family to public nudity or behavior that is not acceptable for them. How did you determine what is acceptable for your wife? Just relax and have fun. My husband and I went to Key West last year with my parents and daughter and had a blast. Incidentally, we stayed at Ambrosia House which was wonderful.

John

Thanks, Bruce. I agree with you 110%. I live in the French Quarter in New Orleans, which is demographically probably pretty similar to Key West. I see WAY MORE public displays of affection (mostly straight but some gay too) than is appropriate. I think much of it has to do with alcohol...people lose inhibitions when they drink.

Loafer

Neutral, you have an excellent way of dealing with the gay issue - you must be a great parent. Jason, I've been to Key West many times and I would say there are a moderate amount of gays. They generally don't tend to be groping each other publically any more than heterosexual couples. That said, if I were you I would be more worried about after dark when the exotic dancers start hanging over the railings of the second stories of Duval Street. And yes, I think the t-shirt manufacturers have succeeded in offending EVERY type of person - all on display up and down Duval. I LOVE Key West, but you have to ask yourself what bothers you...

Howard

I was in Key West for about 5 days a couple of years ago. It was my first time. I was suprised at how "mainstream" it was. I had read about it being a gay resort, a place apart, etc. - but to me if was for the most part a pretty mainstream place, especially with all the cruise passengers around. There proobaly were a bit more gay people than in many towns, but not in a big way. I have heard from others that the city was much better before about 10 - 15 years ago, when many chains,etc, invaded Duval Street.

I don't think anyone should have a problem there.

Jason Small

Thanks to all the people who responded honestly. I have made a reservation for 3 days in the keys. THanks

norka

when we were there for the first time, (2 years ago) we didn't know about 'gay-mecca' thing - and we didn't notice anything special about this place (i mean in that sense) - very touristic place, nice, wonderful, bright. lots of things to enjoy! go there without any prejudices and you will be fine! in fact you will probably love Key West! good luck! have fun!

John

Jason,

My wife and I live in Miami and often weekend in KW with our two kids. We usually stay in a gay-friendly hotel on the beach with a "clothing optional" pool. Have we had any problems? Absolutely not. On the contrary, it's given us the opportunity to teach our kids tolerance and acceptance for those that lead lifestyles that are different from our own.

As for feeling like you are in a "gay pride parade" you're more likely to see hippies than you are drag queens. Go and have a good time!

Dawn

To Kathy: I don't appreciate the reference to a "two horse southern town"! Not everyone in the South is a homophobe, a racist, and a sexist like the world is led to believe!!! I live in a "two horse southern town," and I am none of those things. Personally, yes, I think homosexuality is wrong, but it is not my place to judge the actions of others. Only the Lord can do that!

Amused

I really hope you're kidding.

Christian

Reminds me of the t-shirt saying, "Jesus, protect me from your followers."

John

This reminds me of a story I heard from a retired New Zealand couple who were looking for a relatively inexpensive place to stay in Key West. They went into a motel to inquire about a room and the desk clerk said ,"I should warn you that this is a primarily gay clientel" ,"No problem" , the husband said. "I should also warn you that there is a great deal of nudity around the pool deck." "No problem" the husband said. "Fine" ,beamed the desk clerk, "that will be $120 a night." "Now that's a problem!" the husband said, and so they looked elsewhere. We all have our own sense of what's a problem. There was a time when someone might have asked this same question about blacks. Maybe someday day in the future this question will be looked at in the same way.

Laszlo

Where are all the old gay posters?

John

Laszlo, good on ya mate! Made me laugh. Actually ,I would have thought frame shops in the Village. Who says there aren't good things happening on this board?

Keysiegirl

Poor, much maligned Jason,

I read your post about trying to find a room and that it was confusing. If they say seem to hint that they provide alternative accomodation, it is probably a place catering to homosexuals and you should choose another place. If in doubt, ask the hotelier. There are gay folks in Key West. More than in the general population. I have a feeling that the drunken tourists might be more offensive than any gay person would be to you and there are far more of those around town. If gay people offend to the point that it would ruin your vacation, just don't go all the way South. There are plenty of other pretty keys on which one could enjoy a vacation. Ignore all the catty posters. For Pete's sake... what a venemous crowd. I hope they are not my neighbors!

lin

I returned from Key West a couple of weeks ago, my 2nd visit. Its a great, fun place. By all means GO!!! Try to stay in Old Town so you can walk everywhere. And don't be concerned about seeing gays, you'll see more tourists, all age groups, than anything else.

Prejudiced and Proud of it

This is just the kind of thing that makes me hopping mad! I mean, I get so incredibly disgusted by the lack of standards! Just where do you think you get off....??!! Well, bygod I'm going to set you straight, so to speak:

***It's "How Gay ARE the Keys?"***

To agree with a plural noun like "Keys," the verb must also be plural. Not "is," "_are_"!! Thanks for letting me vent, even if I'm revealing a deep prejudice here. I generally believe in live and let live, but sometimes one has to take a stand!

Prejudiced and Proud of it

For the humorless, that was irony. A joke. Insert happyface with wink here.

CW

Hi,

Just to advise, My hubby and I went to Cape Cod and found ourselves in a very "gay" location, which was fine by me.
I do not care one way or the other (no pun intended) but my hubby kept holding
my hand. I had to let him down gently...
He is rather overweight, bald etc. so I advised no one appeared to be "cruising" him so he could release my hand! His homophobic behaviour was driving me nuts!
I say live and let live and I have raised our 4 kids to be non-predjudice and open minded (even our 3 sons!)

CW in toronto