Queer Keys

Queer Keys supports, educates, empowers and celebrates the queer and transgender community throughout the Florida Keys. Founded in 2022 as a grassroots volunteer effort, it now runs the Queer Keys Community Center in Key West, the only LGBTQ+ community center serving the island chain.

Because local resources are limited, the Wellness Program offers free physical, mental, emotional and spiritual care: massage therapy, reiki, mental health counseling and holistic living coaching by appointment, plus classes such as yoga and transformational breathwork. The center also has vouchers for six months of free BetterHelp online therapy. TransConnect helps transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse people get affirming care through laser hair removal assistance, gender-affirming care assistance and emergency financial help, with simple confidential applications.

Community gatherings fill the calendar. The Gender Expansive Meet-Up (GEM) brings together adults 18 and up who are transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary or Two Spirit each month, and the Sapphic Book Club meets at the center. The Queer Keys Library is open to everyone, stocked with donated LGBTQIA+ books, including plenty of banned titles, that registered members can check out.

Queer Keys started as a group of volunteers, and volunteers still staff the welcome desk, table at outreach events, facilitate groups and help throw fundraisers. Supporters can also give once or monthly, with TransConnect gifts going straight to direct assistance.