My friend tells me there are AIDS-ridden people standing on street corners there. Is this true? I don't really believe her! My hubbie and I are going on a belated honeymoon, and quite frankly, this is nothing I want to see. Without yelling at me, please let me know the deal on the gay population there.

Dawn, you should stay home. Seriously. You're too immature to travel to faraway places.

This is obviously a troll posting. In the off chance that it isn't, may I suggest Orlando where everything is fake. Get a life, girlie!!

You'll be fine. Key West is worth a visit.

Enjoy your trip.

BAK

I've taken a deep breath, so I'll try not to yell or preach. Key West does have a larger gay population than many places, but AIDS-ridden people on street corners??? It sounds as though your "friend" has problems of his/her own.

I was just there in December and have NO idea what your friend is talking about. Only go to Key West if you can leave your hangups at home. If not, go to Disney or just stay home. When we were there it was probably 50% gay and 50% straight. We didn't have a problem with it at all. Key West rocks.

Gay equals AIDS-ridden? How intelligent and open-minded.

Going to Disney to AVOID gay people? Now that's funny!

I'll hope that Dawn is not a troll (I don't think she is) and respond. I just visited KW this February and assessed the situation, having seen similar threads that have appeared here in the past. Although I'm told there are a very large number of gay travelers in KW for Fantasy Fest (in October), as well as plenty of exhibitionist type hetero travelers... at any other time of the year it appears ot be much like any other resort destination. Yes, KW has made an effort to market itself as a gay-friendly destination (commendable and a smart business decision). I must say that when I visited there in July 98 and again in Feb 2001, the only public displays of affection I saw were among the drunken throngs of straight people on the Duval Street strip where the noisy nightclubs are located. Yes, I saw couples whom one might guess were gay but it's simply a non-issue. The homeless and unwashed folks I saw were either middle aged male hippie wino types or young dead-head types - the same type of street people one finds in any warm weather resort destination. key West has no more of a gay character than other resorts and perhaps less than some. As others have pointed out, it's a laid back and progressive sommunity (in some respects). The most disturbing and offensive thing you're likely to see in KW are the endless displays of crass, vulgar and sexually expilcit sayings on T-Shirts in the stopr windows (and 95% are of a heterosexual nature).

How can one tell if someone standing on the street is "AIDS-ridden"? Are they wearing signs?

Actually, what you see more of are people streaming off the cruise ships, all wearing their crisp linen outfits, freshly pressed and deep creased slacks, and their cameras wrapped around their necks. Yikes - it's like being at an upscale Disneyworld.
Honestly, I don't really notice many gays when I'm in Key West. There are a few street people there, but you know what -- there are street people in every city I go to. At least the ones in Key West have a sense of humor: check out the guy who sits in front of Fast Buck Freddie's with the dog who wears sunglasses and a hat. Pretty cool. Better homeless people than the gypsey thieves in Rome!

Capt Kirk:

Is that the same guy that has the cat sitting on the dog and the mouse sitting on the cat? Too cute! I love that guy!

Oh, and then there was the guy looking for handouts for "Marajunana Research" Oh, he just killed me. I gave him a buck just because he had a creative tag! Others just sat around looking for money, he was at least creative about the angle.

Dawn: I think you might find some STD-ridden people on street corners too! And maybe some alcohol-ridden people as well. Have fun! The place is great!

Sheli

Dawn-Your friend is full of baloney and probably jealous you are going on a vacation and she's not. With friends like that who needs enemies?

Can I just say that after visiting notoriously "gay" cities (provincetown, san francisco, key west) that they all seemed to be the friendliest, most accepting, prettiest and fun places that I have ever visited. They are typically more cultured and artistic. I just think it is so sad that I have read so many posters that are really concerned about visiting a gay friendly city. Just remember that these are the same people who accept all of the homophobes. Is it really that difficult to do the same? Oh yeah, did you know that the fastest rising demograph of people contracting HIV are straight? Thought everyone should be aware of this.

Thanks to all of you who responded to me intelligently and actually ANSWERED my question. To all of you who had something smart or presumptuous to say-- YOU need to grow up. No, I'm not a homophobe, as it is not my place to judge anyone. However, I am sick of having "tolerance" shoved down my throat! I think you should be tolerant of my intolerance!

Dawn - I agree with you 100%. A friend who spent a lot of time in Key West told me that there is a large gay population there. I, too, am sick of having tolerance shoved down my throat. If gays want to choose that lifestyle that is their choice; I believe it is wrong and I prefer not to be around it. Therefore, I will not be going to Key West! Flame me all you want, but there is always talk about "gay rights." What about those of us who aren't gay? We have no rights?

Didn't want preaching, huh, Dawn? Funny that you would come back to comment with a sermon of your own.
Stay home and watch Springer re-runs.

Read her message again. Dawn didn't say anything about preaching. She said "Don't yell at me."

Hey Dawn-YOU are the one who needs to grow up! First of all, you can't tell if someone has aids or not by looking at them. What about tolerance and loving your neighbor as yourself? Jesus hung out with the lepers. You really have a problem lady. If you don't want to go to KW fine, but don't post your idiotic opinions and ideas here. You will get little sympathy.

Dawn and Jean, you would be much happier at Dollywood than Key West. Seriously. You will see gays in KW. Lots of them. Get over it.

How can someone post a stupid question on this board and then get bent out of shape when she gets sharp replies? I don't get it.