Queer Keys and AH Monroe recently announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening HIV prevention efforts and community support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Key West – with plans to expand throughout the Florida Keys. The new collaboration is intended to deliver life-enhancing support to LGBTQIA+ youth, seniors and transgender individuals with expanded programs.
Queer Keys, the only LGBTQIA+-specific nonprofit in the Keys, is dedicated to supporting, educating and celebrating the queer community. In partnership with A.H. Monroe — a leader in healthcare and support for individuals affected by HIV — the two organizations are bringing renewed energy and innovation to HIV prevention and outreach efforts for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The partnership will build comprehensive, inclusive HIV prevention and education programs together. In Queer Keys’ youth program, new engaging safe sex workshops, facilitated by educators from the Monroe County Health Department, will provide LGBTQIA+ youth with tools, resources and knowledge, including PrEP education, to help them make informed choices.
PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription medication taken regularly before one is exposed to HIV that significantly reduces the chance of infection from an infected partner or an untested one who doesn’t know their status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all sexually active adults and adolescents be informed about PrEP for prevention of HIV. While effective in preventing HIV, PrEP doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so safer sex practices are still essential.
For the transgender community, Queer Keys’ TransConnect program and A.H. Monroe’s care services will collaborate on HIV prevention, testing and counseling. Transgender individuals in the Keys will have compassionate access to HIV-related health services tailored to their needs.
Queer Keys and A.H. Monroe will reimagine the condom distribution program with approachable, engaging packaging and messaging that makes safer sex resources accessible. Collaboration with distribution sites and feedback from community members will create a comfortable approach to safer sex choices throughout the Keys.
In early 2025, the partnership will launch a program specifically for LGBTQIA+ seniors, providing social support and health resources to enrich lives and foster community connections. This initiative will cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and ensure that LGBTQIA+ seniors have access to resources that meet their unique needs.
Queer Keys and A.H. Monroe will amplify their message together at events like the Key West Pride Fair and Parade, underscoring their joint commitment to health and community support. This partnership goes beyond HIV prevention; it’s about showing up and standing proudly with the LGBTQIA+ community at every step. Through this collaboration, Queer Keys and A.H. Monroe aim to make lasting changes in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Keys, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to lead stable and fulfilling lives. More information is available from Scott Pridgen at AH Monroe at scott.pridgen@ahmonroe.org and/or Chris McNulty at Queer Keys at chris@queerkeys.org.
