Designing an LGBTQIA+ inclusive travel programme: Key resources

There are unique challenges when it comes to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) community in your travel programme. By listening to experts and the LGBTQIA+ community in your own company, you will soon understand their needs. For example, what travel safety tips required and what resources these travellers need. Or why gender identity matters, and the changes in your systems that could make all the difference.

To get you started, here are some insights and resources including:

  • Expert discussion to get you thinking about LGBTQIA+ travel.
  • Online resources and maps to understand LGBTQIA+ rights and travel. 
  • Risk management guidance on supporting LGBTQIA+ employees.
  • Organisations that promote workplace diversity and inclusion.

Expert discussion

Corporate travel experts discuss how organisations can best protect, support, and empower their LGBTQIA+ business travellers. Keep watching to learn important tips to kickstart your travel programme's inclusivity. Our panellists are:

  • Emese Graham, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager Americas, Flight Centre Travel Group 
  • Stone Conroy, Geopolitical Analysis & Intelligence Manager, United Airlines 
  • Ruben Van Schalkwyk, Regional Security Manager EMEA, Aon

Online resources to understand LGBTQIA+ rights around the world

 

Equaldex is a crowd-sourced knowledge base of LGBTQIA+ rights by country and region.  

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) publishes an annual world report and a map on local laws related to sexual orientation or recognising their relationships. 

The Global Divide on Homosexuality highlights countries' cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.  

OutRight Action International also provides reports of human rights violations specific to LGBTQIA+ communities. 

Amnesty International publishes a report on the state of the world's human rights. 

ManAboutWorld, a digital magazine and travel guide for LGBTQIA+ travellers, has an  LGBTQ Guide for Travel Safety, which provides advice for transgender travellers.  

Governments and airport authorities have various guidance for travellers either departing or visiting their country. Check your local government website to view their guidance and any steps that need to be taken. Also, check the government websites of the countries your employees often visit.

Risk management guidance on supporting LGBTQIA+ employees

Organisations that promote workplace diversity and inclusion

Out & Equal is the premier organisation working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Through their worldwide programmes, partnerships and events, they help LGBTQ+ people thrive and support organisations creating a culture of belonging for all. 

All-In with Google uses audience insights to eliminate stereotypes in marketing, especially in the portrayal of people who historically have been excluded in marketing imagery. Built with input from community partners, these insights help you create marketing that positively and authentically represents LGBTQ+ people. 

Pronouns.org is a practical resource dedicated to the empowering and inclusive use of personal pronouns in the English language. This website will help you understand why and how to use the pronouns someone goes by. 

IGLTA was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses. They provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.

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Creating an inclusive workplace requires more than hiring from a diverse candidate pool. It’s proactively looking for opportunities for inclusion, promoting them, and implementing them in your day-to-day operations. That includes your corporate travel policy as well.