Queer Keys

10/19/2026

October is LGBTQI+ History Month!

Throughout the month, Q***r Keys is honoring the people whose courage, activism, and determination helped pave the way for generations of LGBTQI+ people.

Today, we honor Harvey Milk (1930–1978).

Harvey Milk was an activist, community leader, and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. In 1977, he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, giving LGBTQ+ people something that was still extraordinarily rare at the time: open representation in government.

Milk believed that visibility could create change. He encouraged LGBTQ+ people to come out, organize, vote, build coalitions, and make their voices heard. During his time in office, he worked to strengthen protections against discrimination and fought against efforts to restrict the rights of gay and le***an people.

On November 27, 1978, Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated at San Francisco City Hall. Milk had served less than a year in office, but his impact would extend far beyond his lifetime.

Milk’s legacy continues to be recognized today. Harvey Milk Day is commemorated each year on May 22, his birthday, honoring his life, activism, and contributions to the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

In 2009, the Harvey Milk Foundation was established by his nephew, Stuart Milk, and Anne Kronenberg, Harvey’s former campaign manager and political aide. The organization continues his legacy by advancing LGBTQ+ equality and human rights around the world.

His story reminds us why LGBTQI+ representation matters. Having a seat at the table can give our community a voice, challenge prejudice, and open doors for those who come next.

"You have to give them hope." – Harvey Milk
www.milkfoundation.org

This LGBTQI+ History Month, we honor Harvey Milk for living openly, demanding representation, and helping pave the way for generations of LGBTQI+ leaders.

Our History. Our Stories.

***rHistory ***rKeys

10/18/2026

We’re excited to share that Q***r Keys will be the local charity partner for this year’s Mrs. Roper Romp at Sunset Pier! 🌴🍹

Grab your caftans, red wigs, and fabulous statement jewelry and join us for an evening of fun, dancing, live music, games, prizes, and a beautiful Key West sunset — all while supporting Q***r Keys and our work throughout the Florida Keys.

📅 Monday, October 19
⏰ Starting at 5 PM
📍 Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort
🎟️ FREE admission — bring a little “rent money” to donate to Q***r Keys!

Thank you to Sunset Pier and everyone involved for including Q***r Keys. We can’t wait to see a whole lot of Helen Ropers taking over the pier!

Love Is Love. Community Is Everything.

10/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us at our Meet & Greet and the 2nd Anniversary of the Q***r Keys Community Center on October 10th!

It meant so much to see friends, supporters, community partners, chosen family, and new faces come through our doors to meet our new Executive Director, “Scarlett” Jai Somers, and celebrate this milestone with us.

Two years ago, we opened the doors of the Q***r Keys Community Center with a vision: to create a space where LGBTQI+ people throughout the Florida Keys could find community, resources, support, connection, and a place where they belong.

Two years later, those doors are still open, our community continues to grow, and we’re excited about what comes next.

A special thank you to our new board member, Bobi Lore for this generous donation of $1,000. We also received an anonymous donation of $100! To everyone who has donated, volunteered, attended an event, participated in a program, partnered with us, shared our work, or simply walked through our doors: thank you for being part of this journey.

Here’s to two years of the Q***r Keys Community Center, a new chapter of leadership, and many more years of building community together!

Love is Love. Community Is Everything.

10/16/2026

October is LGBTQI+ History Month!

Throughout the month, Q***r Keys is honoring the people whose courage, activism, and determination helped pave the way for generations of LGBTQI+ people.

Today, we honor Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002).

A Latina LGBTQI+ activist of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan heritage, Sylvia Rivera dedicated much of her life to fighting for people who were too often pushed to the margins, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming people, people of color, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Following the Stonewall era, Rivera became deeply involved in the growing LGBTQI+ liberation movement. Alongside fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson, she helped establish STAR. Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, which advocated for and supported transgender and gender-nonconforming people, including young people experiencing homelessness.

Rivera was also willing to challenge the LGBTQI+ movement itself when she believed members of her community were being excluded or forgotten.

Her legacy continues today through organizations like the Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP), which was named in her honor and continues advocating for transgender and gender-nonconforming people.

This LGBTQI+ History Month, we honor Sylvia Rivera for speaking up, organizing, and fighting to make sure no one was left behind.

***rHistory ***rKeys

10/16/2026

Join us tonight for a Spooky Edition of GEM -Gender Expansive Meet-Up! 🎃

In celebration of Halloween, we’ll be painting our own Halloween masks.

Come get creative, connect with community, and enjoy a safe and welcoming space to be yourself.

📍 Q***r Keys Community Center
1100 Truman Ave
5:30 PM
We hope to see you there!

10/15/2026

Walk on White is happening tonight!

Q***r Keys may not be an official stop on this month’s Walk on White, but we’re right along the walking path and we’ll be joining in on the fun!

Stop by the Q***r Keys Community Center at 1100 Truman Avenue tonight from 6–8 PM and say hello. We’ll have a table outside where you can:

• Learn about our upcoming programs, events, and community resources
• Find out what’s coming next at Q***r Keys
• Meet our new Executive Director, Jai “Scarlett” Somers
• Connect with us and learn more about how to get involved

And while you’re making your way around Walk on White, don’t forget to visit our friends at Shade & Shutter Photography, 1102 White Street, where Fencefairy is hosting Paint Your Own Fence — a Sip & Paint with Fencefairy! Paint your own colorful Fencefairy fence and take home something uniquely Key West.

Tonight | October 15 | 6–8 PM

Come walk, explore, create, and connect with the neighborhood. We’ll see you along the way!

Love Is Love. Community Is Everything.

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

Take a moment to breathe, reset, and reconnect.

Join us at the Q***r Keys Community Center for our next FREE Transformational Breathwork class, led by Alexandra Ruth, Certified Yoga Instructor & Breathwork Coach.

Transformational Breathwork uses conscious breathing to help release tension, reset the nervous system, and create space for healing, reflection, and personal growth.

Tuesday, October 13 at 7 PM
Q***r Keys Community Center
1100 Truman Ave, Key West
FREE | Ages 18+ | Donations welcome

Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit q***rkeys.org/programs and select “Book Online” to reserve your spot.

Come as you are. Take some time for yourself and your wellness.

Love is Love. Community is Everything. Wellness is Resilience.

***rKeys

10/05/2026

Throughout the month, Q***r Keys is honoring the people whose courage, activism, and determination helped pave the way for generations of LGBTQI+ people.

Today, we honor Bayard Rustin (1912–1987).

Rustin was a key organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and a leading strategist for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement.

Despite his extraordinary contributions, Rustin often faced discrimination because of his sexuality, and his work did not always receive the recognition it deserved.

Later in his life, Rustin became an outspoken advocate for gay rights, connecting the struggle for LGBTQI+ equality with the broader fight for human and civil rights.

His story reminds us that LGBTQI+ people have always been part of the movements that changed our world, even when their stories were pushed out of the spotlight.

This LGBTQI+ History Month, we honor Bayard Rustin and his lasting legacy of courage, leadership, and change.

***rHistory ***rKeys