Businesses need to create an inclusive environment as the world becomes more accepting of LGBTQA+ individuals. This is especially true for companies that provide services to travelers, as they may be coming from places where they don't feel welcome. Airbnb is one such company, and there are steps hosts can take to make their LGBTQA+ guests feel at home.
Now is the time to take a stand and show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community by making your rental more inclusive and welcoming for all. Taking these steps can help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
The Importance of LGBTQA+-Friendliness
The term LGBTQA+ encompasses a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Creating a more inclusive vacation experience can show your support for the LGBTQA+ community and make everyone feel welcome.
As a host, you can make a real difference in the lives of members of this community who still experience or fear discrimination and judgment when traveling. You can help make their vacation experience more enjoyable and help them feel more comfortable and accepted.
Opening your heart and doors to the LGBTQ community not only shows your commitment to non-discrimination but also has other benefits. For example, the LGBTQ community is known for being loyal and spending their money at friendly and welcoming businesses. Additionally, by being open and welcoming to this community, you can help break down barriers and stereotypes about LGBTQ people.
The LGBTQA+ community is integral to the travel industry, and vacation rental hosts should consider targeting this market. In the United States, LGBTQA+ travelers spend an estimated 100 billion dollars on travel yearly. This makes them a powerful force in the travel industry.
If you show your LGBTQA+ guests that you care about their experience at your establishment, they are more likely to have a positive experience and tell their friends about it. This could lead to more business through return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Using Inclusive Descriptions
Make all guests feel welcome at home by using inclusive language in your property descriptions. This sends a message of acceptance and understanding, and it doesn't cost anything. Remember that while most online travel agencies have policies that prohibit discrimination, some individual hosts still discriminate against this community.
Practicing Respect
When responding to a guest's request, it is essential to be professional, friendly, and respectful. Do not make any assumptions about preferences for beds or rooms, and avoid asking questions that could make someone uncomfortable.
A gender-neutral or gender-inclusive pronoun is a pronoun that does not specify the gender of the person being discussed. In the past, there were only two genders, masculine and feminine. However, many people now identify outside of the gender binary. Gender-neutral pronouns allow people to choose the pronouns that fit their identities.
When traveling, it is essential to be respectful of everyone you meet. This includes being mindful of the language you use. To avoid offending transgender or non-binary travelers, use neutral language. This means using pronouns such as they/them instead of gendered terms such as sir or madam.
If a guest tells you which pronouns they prefer for you to use when addressing them, make a note of these and use them in all future communications. You may want to ask your guests what their preferred pronouns are.
A gender-neutral restroom is a restroom that people of any gender can use. Providing such a restroom is an easy way to make some guests feel less alienated.
Recommend Inclusive Attractions
Make sure your rental is LGBTQA+ friendly by providing a guide or list of nearby LGBTQA+ friendly businesses. Include ideas for LGBTQA+-friendly activities in your welcome book or on your website.
This is a reminder to event planners to include contact information for local support organizations like the police in their event planning. This is important in case guests experience discrimination or attacks while attending the event.
Educate Your Entire Staff
As the owner or manager of a rental property, it is your responsibility to ensure that your staff does not discriminate against LGBTQA+ guests. You will be held responsible if one of your staff members does offend an LGBTQA+ guest. Make sure to educate your staff about LGBTQA+ rights and discrimination, and do not tolerate discriminatory behavior.
When it comes to appointing staff members, diversity is vital. Having staff members from various backgrounds–including different genders, sexualities, ages, races, religions, and abilities–can ensure that all guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Conclusion
It's important to show all of your guests respect, but if you have LGBTQA+ friends or family, it's especially important to make them feel comfortable and safe in your home. This way, they know that you're an ally and that they can relax and be themselves around you.
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