By Tony Adams
Floridians are adept at dealing with hurricanes. They hunker down, weather the storm, and come back stronger. Much like a hurricane, our political climate over Florida has not been positive for the LGBTQA+ community and calls for stronger than usual tactics. Knowing that the perception of the storm’s power has an impact greater than its actual force, Island House Key West has taken the lead in knocking the wind out of this dangerous gust of fear by assembling a coalition of Key West voices. Their video provides a realistic, rational, and united response to Florida LGBTQA+ advocacy groups, and to countries including Canada, that are unfortunately warning visitors about the potential dangers that visitors to Florida might encounter; warnings that jeopardize the livelihoods of LGBTQA+ businesses and workers.
If you are familiar with the clever and entertaining videos (IslandHouseKeyWest.com/News-Videos) produced by Island House, you will recognize the difference in the one they have produced in reaction to self-defeating warnings about safe travel to Florida for LGBTQA+ tourists. Instead of tempting you with the alluring display of gay male eye candy that is part of the Island House experience, and instead of highlighting their fabulous amenities, this video marks the first time that those who cater to the LGBTQA+ visitor to Key West have joined forces to deliver a potent message with one voice. Their message is that they are open for business and as gay as ever. They are the same resilient Key West they have always been – free-spirited, inclusive, welcoming, and fiercely gay.
Island House owner Bobi Lore says, “In Key West, with our community under attack, we are going to stand together as we always do. This video shows our solidarity. Sure, we are business leaders attracting the same clients, but more than that, we are a strong and united family. Island House stepped up to take a lead in our community by producing this video compilation of local voices showing the strength of the gay community that is ready to welcome you.”
Island House general managers Jeff Smead and husband James Braun are justifiably proud of their video and how it stands apart from the many other magical, romantic, sexy, and sentimental ones that enjoy a huge following among those who love Island House. Smead says, “It took about four days to make the video. In typical Key West fashion, it was all unscripted and ad lib. The business owners who appear in the video were asked, ‘What would you say to those who say that Key West is unsafe?’ The venues represented are both gay and straight. Their message is, ‘The LGBTQ community has been through worse storms, like AIDS, COVID, Prop 8, and Stonewall. We say don’t listen to some bad actors who want you to boycott Florida which would really be an attack on businesses that have always welcomed you in historically gay resorts.’”
The message put out there by Island House’s Lore, Smead, and Braun seems to be working. Reservations at Island House are at an all-time high, proving that gay resorts are relevant and in demand.
Many familiar faces appear in the video, but particularly enjoyable is the delightful cameo by the stellar Mia Castillo whose finger wave will set you straight – and gay – about Key West.
Smead hopes this video will encourage those who are thinking about a trip to Key West. He says, “If you really want to help the LGBTQ community of Florida, don’t stay away. Come and support Key West. You will be glad you did.”
