IN PICTURES: WOMENFEST KICKS OFF AT KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD

Key West Business Guild president Chuck Licis Masson, far right, welcomes new members to the guild during its September luncheon.

It was all about women at the Key West Business Guild’s monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the Marriott Beachside Hotel.

The luncheon marked the official start of Key West Womenfest 2021. The event is sponsored by the guild and takes place Sept. 1-5 at various venues all over the island.

“For decades, the five-day celebration of Key West’s Womenfest has attracted thousands of lesbians, trans women and allies to what is arguably the premier LGBTQ+ vacation destination in the country,” states the event website. “Womenfest has a simple goal: to celebrate ALL women. The festival offers a wide range of activities for those who want to socialize, feel comfortable being themselves, soak up some sun, then party and dance the night away. Couples, singles, and those in between are all welcome.”

Continuing the celebration of women at the guild luncheon, cardiologist Dr. Joan Homan explained the increasing cardiovascular risks that women face while they age and enter menopause.

“Our bodies’ estrogen protects us from heart disease and high blood pressure — until menopause, that is. Then our risk is the same as it is for men,” Homan told the lunchtime audience while outlining other heart risks such as smoking, obesity and an inactive lifestyle.