How You Can Be a Supportive Ally to the LGBTQ Community During Travel

November 29, 2021

International Travel Needs More Support: Here’s How You Can Help

There are several ways corporate and leisure travelers can support the LGBTQ+ community during international travel. Those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community are often challenged with awkward encounters during airport screening. In some cases, they can fall victim to incidents of verbal harassment, or much worse, assault.

Here’s how you can be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and show your support with simple actions that don’t stir up conflict but instead reinforce equality. Consider doing your part to promote fairness across the world and spread positivity and diversity while you enjoy international travel.

Speak Up During International Travel and Be an Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community

In cases where you witness injustices against the LGBTQ+ community, it’s ok to politely speak up and show your support. There are times when LGBTQ+ community members experience harassment at hotels, restaurants, or public spaces, and it is ok to raise your hand and point out the wrongdoing. Being an ally to the community requires grace and a collective effort from the public to push back on injustices to promote a more accepting society.

Use phrases like, “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” or “we’re all cut from the same fabric,” to be supportive without promoting further conflict. Travelers can also show their support after witnessing an unpleasant interaction by approaching the victim and offering assistance.

International Travel: Support, Shop, and Stay at LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodations

Show your support and embrace LGBTQ+ businesses everywhere you travel. Whether it be shopping at a small LGBTQ+ boutique or seeking out accommodations at LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and resorts, support these establishments that are accepting of everyone, regardless of race, sex, or religion. Embrace local businesses that share the same values as you do and share your positive experiences online.

Strive for Comfort and Acceptance During International Travel

Traveling as a group can be difficult when trying to coordinate different tastes and preferences. Often, those tasked with booking group accommodations might overlook the fact that they are traveling with an LGBTQ+ community member.

For your next trip, consider booking as an LGBTQ+ traveler, and get a sense of what it is like to travel internationally as a member of the community. It is often much more difficult than you might expect. Your extra due diligence will ensure that your trip is as comfortable as possible for everyone involved.

Support the LGBTQ+ Community Every Day; Not Just During International Travel

Not every corner of the world is as progressive and welcoming as North America and Europe. Promoting a more accepting global society is a complicated task and requires a special dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ every day, not just during international travel.

Support LGBTQ+ arts, culture, and businesses in your neighborhood, and encourage others to do so as well. Show your pride and promote a greater sense of acceptance among friends and family.

International Travel with CAP, Powered by FocusPoint

LGBTQ+, leisure, and corporate travelers should be prepared for the many challenges they could face during international travel. For your next trip, purchase a plan that can address travel mishaps that are often overlooked by traditional travel insurance and speak directly to the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers.

FocusPoint International’s CAP Travel Medical and Security Assistance Plan comes with a robust mobile app that includes destination-based health, safety, and security intelligence, COVID-19 specific information, a one-touch assistance button, and much, much more.

The CAP Plan includes unlimited 24/7 advice for a long list of travel mishaps often overlooked by traditional travel insurance, including COVID quarantine cost coverage. It also provides a fully-funded response to incidents of riots, strikes, and civil commotion, natural disasters, with medical evacuation to a home hospital of choice, should you suffer from a medical mishap resulting in hospitalization.

Contact us directly to learn more about available products tailored to international travelers of all kinds.

LGBTQ+ Travel with CAP, Powered by FocusPoint

FocusPoint International has partnered with IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) to offer the CAP Travel Medical and Security Assistance Plan.  The IGLTA website is an exceptional resource for LGBTQ+ travelers that can identify travel advisors and providers that are LGBTQ+ welcoming. View the LGBTQ+ Safety and Travel Guide on the ILGTA website.