India Daily: LGBTQ+ Travelers Prioritize Safety When Booking Trips
25.08.2023 - 13:29
/ skift.com
/ London Heathrow
/ Virgin Atlantic
Approximately 91 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers in India now consider their personal safety and well-being when selecting a travel destination, according to a Booking.com survey. This represents a significant increase from 70 percent reported in the previous year. The LGBTQ+ travel research conducted by Booking.com, now in its third year, sheds light on both the progress made and the recent setbacks faced by these communities in terms of travel experiences.
The survey findings indicate that mainstream news, including coverage of major international sporting and musical events, as well as celebrity and corporate sponsorships, have played a role in bringing discriminatory laws and viewpoints to the public’s attention. Consequently, these news stories have influenced the travel decisions of nearly 78 percent of Indian respondents. Concerns about attitudes, discrimination, and violence towards LGBTQ+ individuals have had a significant impact on their choice of travel destinations.
The Supreme Court, the highest judicial body in India, is presently examining a petition that questions the criminalization of same-sex marriage. Previously, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code had criminalized homosexuality until its removal in September 2018. However, despite the groundbreaking judgment almost five years ago, the current situation regarding LGBTQ+ rights in India remains challenging.
Around 64 countries criminalize same-sex relationships, and 11 nations have levied death penalty on them. A striking 80 percent of respondents in India firmly stated that destinations lacking support for LGBTQ+ individuals are completely off their travel radar. Despite having made travel bookings, 62 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals and 63 percent of transgender people have opted to cancel their trips in the past year upon discovering that a particular destination does not provide adequate support for their community.
Another significant challenge faced by LGBTQ+ travelers is the pervasive discrimination encountered throughout their entire journey. According to the survey findings, a notable 79 percent reported experiencing discrimination, with the figures escalating to 86 percent for transfeminine travelers and 83 percent for transmasculine travelers. This pervasive discrimination makes traveling for LGBTQ+ individuals uncomfortable and stressful.
According to Booking.com, travel companies play a crucial role as allies in creating inclusive environments and implementing inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ travelers. The survey reveals that 85 percent of Indian respondents prefer airlines and brands that have inclusive policies, including gender-neutral uniforms. Additionally, 86 percent of Indian respondents (compared to 72 percent last