About Us
Our Mission Statement: The mission of the Key West Business Guild is to promote LGBTQ+ travel to Key West through marketing and the promotion of special events; to support gay-owned, gay-managed, and gay-friendly businesses; to strengthen the Gay community’s position within the local community by supporting relevant LGBTQ+ issues.
The Key West Business Guild (KWBG) is a Not-for-profit organization (501C6) devoted to promoting Key West to LGBTQ+ travelers. We provide comprehensive information about Gay Key West and promote our member organizations to a national and international travel market. This work helps to attract about 250,000 LGBTQ+ travelers here each year, earning Key West the well-deserved reputation as one of the most appealing gay-friendly destinations in the world.
The Guild was formed in 1978 to encourage summer tourism and support Key West’s gay community. The KWBG is the nation’s first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization. From a small original membership, it has grown to include more than 475 enterprises representing virtually every facet of the island’s business community.
Today, the Key West Business Guild ranks among the nation’s leading gay business associations, and its marketing efforts, supported by the Florida Keys Tourism Development Council, incorporates a gay marketing specialist and an award-winning advertising campaign.
The Guild also operates the Gay Key West Visitor Center located at 808 Duval Street. Walk-in visitors can find a warm welcome and an informative introduction to the island, events, local businesses, and area attractions.
In addition, the KWBG produces several annual signature events that support area businesses and attract visitors from around the world: Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Key West Womenfest, and Headdress Ball! LGBTQ+ visitors have something special to enjoy year-round.
Join Us!
Membership in the Key West Business Guild (KWBG) comes with many networking and marketing benefits. It also comes with one very important responsibility: to provide a safe place for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender , and queer (LGBTQ+) visitors and local community members. Membership with the KWBG includes a commitment to support and promote Key West as an all inclusive and welcoming community – however a person identifies. For KWBG Membership responsibilities, please click here.
To join – please click the “Become A Member” button below, complete the application online or you can print the form here and email the application to: Rob@gaykeywestfl.com or mail to 808 Duval Street, Key West FL 33040. You can also pay for your membership below. If you have any questions about membership – please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You can email Rob at Rob@gaykeywestfl.com or call 305-294-4603. We look forward to partnering with you!
General Business Member:
A General Business Member must be located in the City of Key West or below the Seven Mile Bridge, Monroe County, and have the applicable business license (s). A General Business Member shall have the right to participate in all KWBG activities, including voting and advertising.
Become a KWBG Member today and proudly display your rainbow KWBG sticker!
Our Board & Staff
Cori Convertito, Ph.D
Key West Art & Historical Society
Misha McRae
Key West Botanical Gardens and Tropical Forest
Ea Ruth
Realtor Key West/Loffreno Realty
Kevin Flebbe
Attorney
