Submitted by Robert Geller, founder of Fabstayz and Host2Host Member (he/him/his)

Pride Month is an excellent time to reflect on the concept of inclusion in hospitality and how we can all help foster a more equitable and welcoming environment for travelers. In this article, Fabstayz founder and Host2Host Member, Robert Geller, offers actionable ideas for making your listing more inclusive towards the LGBTQ+ community. 

June is Pride Month

Around the world June is recognized as Pride Month, a time to celebrate the equality and equity achieved by the LGBTQ+ community with companies and corporations big and small waving rainbow flags high in the air and pumping out rainbow themed everything! Do more rainbow flags flying mean there’s equality, equity and inclusion? Do more rainbow stickers, T-shirt, baseball caps, koozies and key chains result in diversity and a welcoming environment?

You See Where This is Going, Right?

From the outside it may appear all glitter and rainbows; however, the lived experiences of some members of the LGBTQ+ community are not so joyous. Transphobic hate crimes have quadrupled over the last six years.

My news feed might look a little different from yours. Mine is filled with ‘Don’t Say Gay’ in Florida, Rebel Wilson outed by newspaper, Virginia preacher tells congregation gays should be shot in the head, Texas official wants to ban teen gender-affirming care, and on and on. While I’m not all doom and gloom, these news headlines do have a direct connection to STR hospitality, and more specifically, inclusive hospitality.

Hospitality is About Anticipating Needs

Hospitality is about anticipating guest needs, a comfy workstation for our digital nomad guests, a pack-n-play readily available for family travelers, and romantic dinner recommendations for anniversary-celebrating guests. Have you anticipated the needs of LGBTQ+ guests?

LGBTQ+ guests come to your listing, not just your front door, carrying the baggage of the above headlines and often question whether your destination is welcoming. Also, contained in that baggage is their own coming out experience and not wanting to relive it in travel. These potential guests scour listings for clues of welcoming and unwelcoming signs. Yes, LGBTQ+ guests actually read your listing looking for signals of inclusion.

How Can We Foster Inclusion?

My mission in creating FabStayz has been to educate hosts and promote welcoming, inclusive spaces so all members of the LGBTQ+ community can travel with less anxiety; no wondering, no guessing, and not having to come out to strangers. As a host, you can take steps to bring a kind, welcoming voice to your inclusive space.

First, review the language on your listing or website; is it inclusive and devoid of outdated language? Next, this should be obvious, yet I’ve seen a property manager’s website include religious scripture… leave out politics and religion as it sends mixed messages left to the interpretation of the guest. Other tips include adding your pronouns to your host profile on your listing as this sends a subtle message of, “I’m telling you who I am so you can feel comfortable being yourself.” You may want to craft your own inclusive statement for the listing description or even add an ‘all are welcome’ type image to your gallery. If your property is popular for weddings, be sure your imagery and language are inclusive of diverse individuals since not every wedding party has a bride and a groom. And lastly, in your guidebook, there is an opportunity to include activities and events that will resonate with LGBTQ+ guests.

For more in-depth LGBTQ+ inclusive hospitality education and marketing, check out FabStayz soon to launch FabStayz University and Certified Fabulous!™ badge.