As we celebrate Pride Month, we invite you to ask yourself how your rental can be more inclusive and welcoming to all travelers, no matter how they identify or whom they love.
For members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning community), finding safe and inclusive spaces while traveling is crucial. Therefore, we want to help vacation rental hosts create an environment that embraces guests from all walks of life.
In this article, we explore how to make your vacation rental home more LGBTQ+ friendly and share tips from Matthieu Jost, the cofounder and CEO of the LGBTQ+ friendly vacation rental platform misterb&b. We hope these recommendations help you ensure all your guests feel comfortable, respected, and valued throughout their stay!
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
The term LGBTQ+ refers to everyone who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, or other terms (such as nonbinary and pansexual) used to describe their personal experiences.
There are other acronyms, but this is a good starting point if you want to create a more inclusive vacation experience for diverse guests.
It is no secret that many members of this community still experience or fear discrimination and judgment when traveling. As a host, you have the power to make a real difference in their vacation experience—and their lives.
Why should you welcome LGBTQ+ guests?
It goes without saying that everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome when traveling. But apart from showing your commitment to inclusion, there are many good reasons to open your hearts and doors to this community.
Supporting equality and human rights
Let’s start with the obvious. Your inclusive approach sends a powerful message that discrimination has no place in your vacation rental community. It shows that you respect and value all guests, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
By taking a stand for inclusivity, you contribute to a more tolerant and accepting society.
Help make your community and the tourism industry more inclusive
Welcoming LGBTQ+ guests adds a diverse perspective to your vacation rental community. By hosting guests from different backgrounds, you create an enriching environment where people can share their unique experiences and learn from one another. This fosters a sense of inclusivity that encourages future guests to choose your property as a safe and welcoming space.
Furthermore, as a gay-friendly Airbnb host or vacation rental host, you have the power to inspire other hosts to do the same, making the industry a more inclusive space. Step by step, host by host.
Attract loyal guests with spending power
Catering to LGBTQ+ travelers can significantly broaden your potential guest base. The U.S. LGBTQ+ community alone has $100 billion in annual travel spending power, and the community’s growth is outpacing other segments.
“By targeting this niche market, hosts are able to attract a diverse range of guests who are looking for inclusive and accepting accommodations,” Matthieu Jost explains. “This focus on inclusivity not only helps to fill vacancies, but also often results in higher guest satisfaction and repeat bookings. Additionally, misterb&b’s community-focused approach can lead to increased word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews, further boosting a host’s visibility and potential revenue.”
How to be a more LGBTQ+ friendly vacation rental
Educate yourself and your staff
The first step toward creating a gay-friendly vacation rental is to educate yourself about the issues and challenges faced by the community. Familiarize yourself with different sexual orientations, gender identities, and the specific needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals. This knowledge will help you create a more empathetic and understanding environment for your guests.
This also applies to your staff. Educate them about appropriate language, behavior and how to handle any issues or concerns that may arise. This training will help maintain a respectful and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
Appointing staff members from diverse groups—not only when it comes to gender and sexuality, but also age, race, religion, and ability—is one of the best ways to make all guests feel welcome.
Don’t stereotype
Even those with excellent intentions occasionally fall into the bad habit of stereotyping. Matthieu Jost recommends watching out for this:
“For example, don’t assume that an LGBTQ+ traveler just wants to party or go to bars. They may want to find the local foodie spots, or wellness spots, or kid-friendly activities to bring their children.
We’re not a monolith, and we’re not what they primarily portray in the media. We’re all in different eras: We’re boomers, Gen X, or millennials, or Gen Z. Some of us are single folks, and others are married with kids. We’re everyone!”
Update your house rules
Review your existing house rules and ensure they are inclusive and respectful of all guests. Make it clear that your rental is a safe space where discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated. Include a statement in your rules that explicitly states your commitment to equality and inclusivity.
Be inclusive in your communication and descriptions
Inclusivity is key, but how can you show that you’re an inclusive host? Misterb&b’s Matthieu Jost recommends putting yourself in your guests’ shoes and paying special attention to your photos and descriptions, as “this makes members of the LGBTQ community feel extra safe that they can book with confidence.”
“In terms of being more inclusive in descriptions and supportive in guest communication, words really do matter,” Jost shares. “Using words like ‘allies’ and ‘LGBTQ friendly,’ or highlighting your city’s LGBTQ friendliness, goes a long way to show potential guests that they can feel safe at your listing.
“In terms of communications, avoiding words that may be common verbiage that may be offensive is also important. For example, you may not want to say ‘his and hers’ or ‘ladies’ night’ or ‘guys.’ Instead use more inclusive words like ‘partner’ or ‘folks’ and never assume heterosexual relationships when you first communicate with the person. A good rule of thumb is to use more gender-neutral verbiage.”
Use gender-neutral language
A gender-neutral or gender-inclusive pronoun is a pronoun that does not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed. In English, gender pronouns are gender identifiers for the third-person singular. In the past, gender pronouns were separated into masculine (he/him/his) and feminine (she/her/hers).
This separation of masculine and feminine is called “gender binary” and only recognizes men and women. However, many people identify outside of the gender binary. Gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them allow individuals to choose the pronouns they feel fit their identities.
When communicating with potential guests or providing information about your rental, use gender-neutral language whenever possible. Avoid assuming the gender of your guests, and be inclusive in your communication. Small changes like using “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife” can make a significant difference in creating an inclusive atmosphere.
If a guest clearly states the pronouns they want you to use when addressing them, take note of these and be sure to use them in all future communications.
You may also want to ask your guests which pronouns they would prefer.
List your rental on gay-friendly OTAs
Known as “the Airbnb for the LGBTQ+ community,” misterb&b, is now the largest LGBTQ+ travel community in the world. By listing your property on this site, you immediately increase the visibility of your rental to a whole new audience.
When creating a listing on misterb&b, versus in the mainstream platforms, rental owners are more easily able to make their listings more inclusive, because it’s part of the entire system. Hosts don’t have to think too much about it, because it’s built in, and thus makes it easier.”
-Matthieu Jost, Cofounder and CEO of misterb&b
Fabstayz is another vacation rental platform targeting the same community. We love their mission statement: “to be the comfort zone for all travelers who want to enjoy a fabulous vacation without the anxiety of disclosure and any concern for acceptance.”
And if you want to learn more, they even offer master classes for hosts and owners who really want to better understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers and how to meet the needs of more diverse guests. Bravo!
Offer gender-neutral amenities
Go the extra mile by offering amenities that cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ guests. These may include unisex toiletries or bathrooms, contributing to a more inclusive experience for all guests.
Provide info on LGBTQ+ friendly attractions
According to Matthieu Jost, “if your home is in a city that’s particularly LGBTQ friendly, or near an LGBTQ neighborhood, that’s a very important amenity to include in the listing. Including LGBTQ friendly businesses (restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.) in materials left along for guests would go a long way too and would be very much appreciated.””
We recommend including this information on your website and in your welcome book so that it’s easy for guests to find both before booking and during their stay.
Ask for feedback
Continually seek feedback from your LGBTQ+ guests. Encourage them to provide reviews and suggestions on how you can improve the inclusivity of your rental. Take their feedback seriously and implement changes accordingly. This feedback loop will demonstrate your commitment to ongoing improvement and foster a sense of trust among your LGBTQ+ clientele.
Show your colors
According to Matthieu Jost, hosts should be more intentional about showing they’re allies to make guests feel more at ease. For example, you could mention that you’re a LGBTQ+ friendly host on your profile and website and display rainbow flags in your rental. This signals to your guests that your space is inclusive and welcoming.
My hope is that the trend-setters in the tourism industry—the power players, the corporations—can work together to show how open and accepting they are, because by doing this they signal to the rest of the industry that the LGBTQ+ community is a community that’s to be not only protected, but taken seriously.”
Treat everyone with dignity and respect
At the end of the day, to be a truly great host, you have to treat every guest with the same level of respect. But as long as discrimination still exists in our society, your LGBTQ+ guests will appreciate it if you make them feel especially welcome and safe in your home.
Upcoming LGBTQ+ events to be aware of
Although we are just over halfway through Pride Month, there are an array of events during the year. Impress your guests by preparing for any relevant dates for your area.
United States
- Aloha Maui Pride – June 8, 2024
- Cincinnati Pride – June 22, 2024
- Denver Pride Fest – June 22-23, 2024
- Nashville Pride – June 22-23, 2024
- Harlem Pride – June 29, 2024
- New York City Pride – June 30, 2024
- Seattle Pride – June 30, 2024
- San Diego LGBT Pride – July 13-21, 2024
- Austin Pride – August 10, 2024
- Eugene Pride – August 10, 2024
- Pacific Northwest Black Pride – August 16-18, 2024
- Charlotte Pride – August 17-18, 2024
- Silicon Valley Pride – August 24-25, 2024
- Atlanta Black Pride Weekend – August 30 – September 4, 2024
- Alki Beach Pride – August 31, 2024
- Shenandoah Valley Pride – September 21, 2024
- Blue Ridge Pride Festival – September 21, 2024
- Come Out With Pride Orlando – October 19, 2024
Canada
- Pride Toronto – June 15-30, 2024
- Vancouver Pride – July 26-August 4, 2024
- Montreal Pride – August 1-11, 2024
- Calgary Pride – August 31-September 1, 2024
UK and Ireland
- Pride Edinburgh – June 22, 2024
- Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride – June 29, 2024
- Pride London – June 29, 2024
- Isle of Wight Pride – July 19-21, 2024
- Croydon Pride – July 20, 2024
- Glasgow Pride – July 20, 2024
- Leeds Pride – July 21, 2024
- Cork Pride – July 27 – August 4, 2024
- Pride in Surrey – September 21, 2024
Key takeaways
Creating an LGBTQ+ friendly vacation rental home goes beyond just providing a beautiful space for guests. It is about fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusivity, and respects the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. By following these steps, you can contribute to a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and at home—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
