Key West Pride is theming its June 3–7 events around “Color the Island.” A choice that could be interpreted as a response by the Key West Business Guild, which organizes the official schedule, to recent directives at the state level, which resulted in last year’s removal of the city’s rainbow crosswalks.
Further, Monroe County and its Tourist Development Council have been forced to review event grant applications and funding allocations to comply with the new state law that prohibits counties from funding, promoting, or taking official action related to DEI efforts. This means that future editions of Pride Week will likely see large chunks of its funding eliminated.
KWBG Associate Director Fritzie Estimond and others accordingly thought it would be the perfect time to have this theme of “Color the Island.”
“The point is to celebrate our identity through creativity and color, and that’s the point of doing that this year. So, from the removal of the crosswalks, our response is to sort of color the island as much as we can,” she said.
While many events will take visitors to familiar bars and clubs, the past few editions of Key West Pride have seen the revival of the street fair sponsored by Smirnoff. It has grown into a bustling gathering with live entertainment, as was seen through last year’s stage at the corner of Angela and Duval Street. This year will see the introduction of a second stage that will be geared towards family-friendly entertainment.
“We really want to push the fact that this is a family-friendly event,” Estimond said, “especially the street fair, with so many other events happening at different bars and stuff like that.” The intent is to ensure that everyone is welcome and represented as much as possible.
The other marquee event of the festival that invites a mix of demographics is the finale parade on June 7, which sees floats, cars, bicycles, and walking groups outfitted in colorful nods to the island’s history, landmarks, and popular venues.
The parade will be led by grand marshal Lucy Hawk, an activist and artist who owns Sacred Space Gallery. She views this year’s theme as an opportunity to show pride, love, and resistance.
“It perfectly sets the stage to respond to the erasure of our rainbow crosswalks, rainbow fences and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community at large,” she said.
The parade has always been a much-anticipated part of the week for many because it is a culmination of all the work and advocacy for those involved in these annual gatherings.
“In that moment, it feels like we’re all sort of just one thing,” Estimond explained, “celebrating one mission. And so, I love that. I love it.”
Key West Pride
June 3-7
