Who are The Fairy GayMothers?
The Fairy GayMothers want everyone to feel the magic of support, inclusion and community. Along with confetti and bubbles, we sprinkle the island of Key West with joy, acceptance, celebration, random acts of kindness and the message you are loved. We understand that marginalized and under-resourced community members often struggle to feel the sense of community and support that others experience, and so our focus is on assisting these groups. Through The Fairy GayMothers Community Initiatives we are able to provide an additional layer of support to these community members who need it most.
We know it takes an island and there are many people wanting to make a difference. It’s important for us to be able to support these members of our One Human Family so we can all make a meaningful impact within the community. We would not be where we are today without the support we’ve received from others. In addition to our own mission and initiatives, we provide support and fundraising assistance to other nonprofits, initiatives and community organizations to help them further their own missions and assist them in providing additional benefits to those they serve.
While our focus is on supporting our local community here in Key West, we are delighted when our magic is able to reach beyond our island to people and communities in other locations too.
What are we about?
Our Mission
Embracing our One Human Family so everyone can feel accepted, celebrated, loved, and experience the support of community.
Through our community initiatives, random acts of joy, celebration and kindness, and partnerships with other local organizations, we help to support the members of our community, especially those who are marginalized and under-resourced.
Our Vision
That all members of our One Human Family feel loved, supported, celebrated and have the ability to get their basic needs met
Our Values
- Community – We believe that community is the foundation of our values as it is who we exist to serve. We aim to foster connection, integration and participation within our organization and the community at large.
- Inclusion – We believe that inclusion strengthens community and can lead to further acceptance of oneself and of others.
- Equity – We believe everyone is equal and deserves to feel loved, supported, celebrated and have the ability and community support to enable them to get their basic needs met.
- Communication – We believe that open, honest, transparent and respectful communication allows us as an organization and individuals to create spaces that have more understanding, resolution and collaboration.
- Respect – We believe that everyone is deserving of respect, decency and basic human necessities. Operating from a place of respect, both in observance, action and discussion, helps us to create a deeper connection from which our organization can grow.
- Integrity – We believe that personal and organizational alignment, transparency, disclosure and confidentiality ensure the best interests of The Fairy GayMothers, their volunteers, employees, donors and recipients are held. We also endeavor to live The Fairy GayMothers values both inside and outside of our work with the organization.
- Responsibility – We believe that personal and organizational responsibility and accountability are foundational for creating positive impacts within our organization, collaborations and community.
- Giving – We believe that it is important to support and give to the community, especially when we seek to receive from it. Where possible and appropriate, we try to give or offer first and ask second.
How did the Magic Begin?
Key Best Partner’s In Crime, Serena and Claire have always had a passion for having fun, creating magic and spreading love and joy around their island. As childless mothers, they have an abundance of maternal love to give. Having very close personal ties to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, they know many of its members do not feel loved or accepted by their own families. It only seemed natural for them to go out into the community they love so dearly and spread their abundance of love around.
It all began during Pride of 2022 with Free Mom Hugs shirts and the lovingly given title of Fairy GayMothers. This initial spark of magic would give flight to The Fairy GayMothers, who officially put on their wings on Mother’s Day of 2023.
The year was a truly magical adventure of love, support, giving and community. Countless hugs were given, smiles shared, bubbles blown, wishes granted, confetti thrown (biodegradable of course) and magical moments made. We spread the message of “You Are Loved” and supported local organizations and non-profits in raising over $30,000 in donations for their initiatives.
They realized that while they were happy with what they’d done for the community so far, it felt like they had more to offer, so in 2024 they invited Derith and Jason to join the Fairy Family and set about creating their own 501(c)(3) with initiatives that were close to all of their hearts.
The Fairy GayMothers story is still only beginning, and they are excited to see how much more magic they can spread across the Key West Island community and beyond.
Our Community Initiatives
How are we supporting the community?
Bigotry is not welcome here
Because we are ALL One Human Family
A lot of people in our community are feeling scared, unsafe and unsure of their place in our island family right now. They are also questioning how much support is there for them from the rest of our community.
There have been reports of hatred and bigotry being directed at the members of our community and a concern over the lack of voices of support for the most at risk groups, like the LGBTQIA+ community, from locals and businesses.
We wanted to find a way to make it easy for people and businesses locally to make their commitment to our One Human Family clear, to use their voices and to show support for the members of our community who are understandably feeling so concerned right now.
So we have made this poster, which we would like to invite locals to print and display in order to show their support. You can put it in the windows of your businesses, in the windows of your homes, display it on community message boards, upload it to your website and/or share it on social media, as just a few examples.
Basically, you can put these anywhere you want to show your support for our community during these challenging and uncertain times.
Businesses are also welcome to print copies of this poster and have them available for others to pick up and display – we want to encourage people to share and show these as much as possible across the island. If you are willing to print copies for others to be able to pick up, please let us know and we will share a social media post letting others know they can pick up these posters from you.
The purpose of this poster is three-fold:
1. To have a visible display of solidarity with the groups of people in our island community who are struggling to feel seen, valued, loved and appreciated right now – so that they can SEE how much they are wanted and supported here. We want the message to be loud and clear “You are loved”.
2. To have a visible representation of the fact that bigotry is not welcome on our island, showing those who might be inclined in that direction that this behavior is not tolerated here.
3. To indicate to people who might be dealing with issues, abuse or harassment, the places that they can go and get support from the staff and owners, where these behaviors will not be allowed. If you are a business that is displaying this poster, please make sure that your staff are aware that they are expected (1) to act in alignment with these principles and (2) to provide immediate support to anyone dealing with this kind of situation.
We have made downloadable PDFs for you to print and display here –
right click the link and select “Save Link As” to download the poster you want:
Click here to download the 16×20″ version
Click here to download the 8.5×11″ version
If you would like us to print and deliver one to you, or would like to request a different size, you can click here to email us to make a request and we will get them to you ASAP.
If there are any printing businesses in town who would be willing to help us out with this (of course we will share the information of any supporting businesses here on our website and social media pages), please get in touch with us as we could use as much help as possible to spread this message far and wide across our island home.
Now is the time for us to use our voices to speak up in support of the members of our island family who are feeling less safe, unsure and concerned for their place here in our community.
Our message needs to be loud and clear:
You are seen.
You are valued.
You are wanted.
You are supported.
You are loved.
…and if you do display one of these posters, please share a photo on social media with the hashtag #BigotryIsNotWelcomeHere so that the community can see just how much support is here for them.
We are delighted that this initiative has captured the hearts of people visting our island from outside the state, and we are excited to hear about people displaying these posters far beyond our local community.
♥ Please share this and spread the word ♥
Magic Meals
Creating the magic of community through food
We believe that food is a human right and that everyone deserves to eat. We live on an island of One Human Family, yet so many of our family and community members go hungry.
The Fairy GayMothers are partnering with local food establishments in the Magic Meals initiative.
A Magic Meal is a to-go meal provided to anyone who needs it, free of cost.
The Fairy GayMother’s will provide the seed money for the startup of the program (or an establishment can sponsor their own startup). Participating establishments will then select the Magic Meal of their choosing and set their cost for that meal.
This meal is available free of charge for those in need, no questions asked.
The meal may also be purchased by those who want to pay it forward to self-sustain the establishment’s participation in the program.
To participate, establishments will be required to provide monthly statements of donations received, Magic Meals purchased and Magic Meals served, which we will share transparently via our Social Media
Together as a community, we can make sure that everyone eats.
Birthday Sprinkles Boxes
Because everyone deserves a little magic in their life
The cost of living on the island is increasing at an alarmingly high rate and many of our One Human Family members struggle to survive. This often leaves very little, if anything, to be spent on the sprinkles that can add a little extra magic to a special day.
So many in our community, do not get to experience the small things that can make a birthday extra special.
The Fairy GayMothers want those celebrating to feel seen and loved on their special day and for their families and loved ones to feel their community supporting them.
Each Birthday Sprinkles Box contains:
- Disposable Cake Pan
- Cake Mix
- Can of lemon-lime soda (to be used in place of oil, water and egg)
- Frosting
- Special Sprinkles
- Candles
- Balloons
- Birthday Banner
- Blank Birthday Card
Everyone deserves to be celebrated, feel loved and have sprinkles on their day
Meet The Fairies
The team that spreads magic across the island of Key West and beyond…
Our director titles and fairy roles are the essence of what each of us brings to The Fairy GayMothers. Each of the fairies is “perfectly imperfect” and, as such, aren’t always great at recognizing their own unique gifts and the magic they bring. It was important to us to have the other members of the board work together to create titles and roles that highlight the qualities that make each of us unique as individuals, and to acknowledge what we contribute to the magic we create as an organization.
Jason Bertrand
Director of Enthusiasm | The Joy Fairy
Jay is our Joy Fairy sprinkling our organization and island with moments of uplifting fairy magic. With his infectious laugh and his up for it, on it, can do spirit, he consistently creates and facilitates joy for us, our community and those we serve.
Why The Fairy GayMothers?
I’ve always believed in the power of community and the importance of making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. The mission of The Fairy GayMothers aligns perfectly with my own commitment to inclusivity, joy, and support. Living in Key West, where “One Human Family” is more than just a motto it’s a way of life, I was inspired to be part of an organization that actively spreads love and kindness, especially to those who need it most.
What do you bring to The Fairy GayMothers?
With a background in health education, nonprofit work, and event planning, I bring a unique blend of skills that help support and uplift our community. My passion for community support extends through my work in HIV prevention and public health and has given me firsthand experience in advocating for marginalized groups and connecting people with essential resources. As a wedding and party planner, I know how to create meaningful moments of joy and celebration and have a true desire for others to experience these feelings.
What’s your Fairy GayMother magic moment and what did it inspire in you?
The foundation of my favorite magic moment was experiencing founders Claire and Serena at Pride 2023 spreading love and hugs. Whether it was a small act of kindness, a helping hand, or just a moment of joy, I knew that what they were doing was making a real difference. Seeing and feeling the energy around what they were doing was so inspiring and I knew I wanted to be part of it! That experience reinforced my belief that no act of love is too small and that building community, one magical moment at a time, creates lasting change.
Derith Hart
Director of Balance | The Grounding Fairy
Derith is our Grounding Fairy ensuring that all the fairy dust stays where it’s meant to and the fairies aren’t flying beyond their capacity. As our in-house sparkle counter and fairy wrangler, with her innate ability to stay calm, cool and collected, she provides the container that holds all the magic.
Why The Fairy GayMothers?
It would be impossible to live on the island of Key West and not notice the energy, love, positivity, and acceptance that Serena and Claire bring in everything they do. I have participated in multiple events with them both over the last few years, and have always been inspired. It became clear to me that taking on a more active role in The Fairy GayMothers, to support the organization’s mission and values, was the perfect way to more actively support our beautiful community.
What do you bring to The Fairy GayMothers?
I always try to bring a smile, a laugh, and happiness to all areas of my life – and The Fairy GayMothers is no exception! Luckily, I am surrounded by an amazing board that shares the same passion and energy for both our island and the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m able to support and contribute to our organization’s goals with the skills and knowledge I have collected and developed over the years. I have worked in community banking for 17 years, which has given me a depth of knowledge in the financial sector as well as community support and partnership. Community involvement has always been important to me and I have filled multiple board and volunteer roles for nonprofit organizations and government agencies in my previous community’s local downtown association, youth soccer association, rotary, and city advisory committees.
What’s your Fairy GayMothers magic moment and what did it inspire in you?
I participated in a Fairy Parade down Duval as part of a kickoff for The Fairy GayMothers. We had been asked to wear something fitting of The Fairy GayMothers, so I was decked out in a tutu, sparkles, and rainbow gear – WAY outside both my norm and my comfort level. As we danced down the sidewalk of Duval, with everyone dressed up, playing music, with bubbles everywhere it was impossible not to be happy and also spread joy. More than that, it was a moment of both being proud and telling others it was ok to also be unique and take up space. It was a realization I could do that for myself, and also for others. I choose to participate not only for those who can, but more for those in our community who are unable to, often for many reasons.
Claire Brummell
Director of Magic | The Alchemy Fairy
Claire is our Alchemy Fairy, taking initial sparks of magic and transforming them into moments and experiences that help so many to feel more loved, valued and supported. She is the embodiment of what we do, bringing compassion, awareness and her magical nature to infuse love and kindness into our work.
Why The Fairy GayMothers?
I have many friends throughout my life who are and were members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and one experience that was consistent through their stories was either a concern that they would not be loved at accepted at some point in their journey or a very real experience of feeling unaccepted, unloved, unvalued or unaccepted by people, either in the past or the present. As someone who made the decision not to have my own children, I realized that I still have a lot of love to give, and wanted to be able to share that love with people who have not received the love, acceptance and support that they deserve.
What do you bring to The Fairy GayMothers?
As one of the Founding Fairies, inspiration is a part of what I bring to the organization, along with decades of experience in volunteering, event planning and fundraising. As a human behavior specialist who has run my own business for nearly 14 years, I not only understand the needs that all people have and therefore can help to ensure our initiatives support those needs, but also what is necessary to make an organization work effectively. Along with my other fairies I bring a combination of magic and sparkle to things as well as attention to detail and an ability to get things done…when we set our minds (and wings!) to it, we are great at making things happen! Finally, I believe that my genuine desire to support the community and help those who haven’t yet received the love and acceptance that they deserve is a big part of the magic we have created so far…and the magic we will create going forward.
What’s your Fairy GayMother magic moment and what did it inspire in you?
There have been many magic moments, but the one that really sticks out to me was during Pride when someone came and asked me for a “Mom hug” as I was wearing a “Free Mom Hugs” shirt. I, of course, embraced them, and seconds later they had collapsed into tears in my arms. This wasn’t a person who had been rejected by their family, they still felt an element of love, but they had never felt fully loved and accepted in the way that every person deserves. This made me realize just HOW important this work is and how many people need the love that we have in abundance, just ready to share.
Serena Fackos
Director of Whimsy | The Glitter Fairy
Serena is our Glitter Fairy and just like glitter, she’s extra, she’s everywhere and she’s involved in all of the things. Whether it’s planning, fundraising, creating or spreading magic, you’ll see a sparkle of her in everything we do.
Why The Fairy GayMothers?
It all started with free mom hugs. I am a childless mother and, although it’s by choice, I have a lot of momma love to give. Having lost my own mother, I knew there were many who longed for a maternal feeling of love and embrace. For so many reasons, people aren’t able to experience this, and this is especially true in the LGBTQIA+ community. After taking my abundance of love, my mom’s memory and putting on our wings for the first time, there was no denying the feeling of magic, the impact we had and the true potential for what we could do. Desire to help the community on a wider scale has allowed us to spread our wings and provide additional support through our community initiatives like Magic Meals and Birthday Sprinkles Boxes.
What do you bring to The Fairy GayMothers?
I am a lifelong seeker of experiences and have a passion for creating them for others. My extensive work in the hospitality, event planning, casino and entertainment industries, along with my flair for “extra”, has helped The Fairy GayMothers to create many experiences of joy, acceptance, celebration, love and community around our island. Although I’m one of the original faces of The Fairy GayMothers, a lot of my magic happens behind the scenes making things happen. With almost 25 years of experience in various aspects of executive coordination and administration, I am able to use those well-developed skills to bring a professional level of planning, organization, detail and facilitation to The Fairy GayMothers as an organization.
What’s your Fairy GayMother magic moment and what did it inspire in you?
There is so much magic created in what we do. The feeling of someone releasing into a much-needed hug or looking at you like they finally feel seen, has an impact that lasts far beyond the moment. I have been so lucky to experience many of these moments as a Fairy GayMother, and what really stands out as my magic moment is when I realized my mom’s legacy and memory will continue to live on. She is a big part of the reason why we exist as an organization and serves as a lot of the inspiration for what we do. The fact I can continue to connect to and honor her in this way, by doing good with and for my community, is sprinkles on the magic we create.
Are we a nonprofit?
Yes! We are delighted to announce that we have now been granted our 501(c)(3) status.
We are very grateful to Sister Season Fund, a local 501(c)(3), who collected the donations from our initial fundraising activities on our behalf, and have since donated them to our organization. 100% of the funds collected by Sister Season fund from our fundraising will go to The Fairy GayMother Community initiatives.
The Fairies do not personally profit from our involvement with, fundraising from or appearances made in association with The Fairy GayMothers.
We operate with full transparency and will provide continual updates on our initiatives and fundraising efforts.
Make a Donation
We look forward to hearing from you
If you would like to have The Fairy GayMothers at one of your events, would like to be a part of one of our initiatives or need some Fairy support, you can send us an email or reach out to us via social media.
Hugs, love and confetti are always at the ready!
