New survey shows LGBTQIA+ travellers need more support
A new survey commissioned by World Travel Protection of North American business travellers sheds light on some of the safety threats and challenges often experienced by employees who identify as LGBTQIA+ amidst the rise of violence against the community, as well as anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and discrimination both at home and globally.
Business travellers are concerned about visiting regions known to be biased against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A majority of business travellers (64% US, CAN 56%) express concern about traveling to a region, state, or province known to be biased against or to criminalize relationships of people who identify as homosexual or transgender. More than 70 countries criminalize same-sex relationships.
“We are seeing an increased backlash against the LGBTQIA+ community in many parts of the world, including here in North America, resulting in rising concerns about visiting certain regions that are unwelcoming or hostile toward the LGBTQIA+ community or that have discriminatory laws,” said Frank Harrison, regional security director Americas at World Travel Protection. “We know these are real and valid fears: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community can face a range of safety concerns when they travel, including harassment, violence, incarceration, and even barriers to medical and security assistance.”
LGBTQIA+ travel for work
Work travel is widely perceived as less safe for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Half of business travellers surveyed (US 56%, CAN 47%) agree that traveling for work as an LGBTQIA+ employee is less safe than traveling as a heterosexual or cisgender person. Incidents of harassment and threats against LGBTQIA+ individuals are increasing, and a notable percentage of business travelers say they have witnessed or experienced harassment due to sexuality (US 22%, CAN 15%).
Similarly, many have seen or experienced people needing to hide their sexuality while traveling for work (US 21%, CAN 17%), likely as a result of safety and security concerns.
Companies need to provide much more support and information to all employees about how to keep LGBTQIA+ travellers safe.
Among those surveyed, relatively few reported that their company provides information on LGBTQIA+ rights for the countries they are visiting – either to employees who have disclosed they are LGBTQIA+ (US 15%, CAN 11%) or to employees who have not disclosed their sexuality (US 15%, CAN 13%).
“Organizations must recognize the specific risks and concerns that LGBTQIA+ business travelers face and ensure they feel supported and safe,” said Harrison. “When sending LGBTQIA+ employees to parts of the world where their rights are not fully recognized by the host government, there needs to be a plan in place to support them.”
Actionable guidance for employers
Harrison offers actionable guidance to companies looking to help keep LGBTQIA+ employees safe while travelling:
- Put a comprehensive plan in place, and communicate it clearly. This includes providing pre-trip information, noting how to access medical support specific to their needs (especially in places where healthcare could be refused to LGBTQIA+ individuals), and outlining clear protocols for addressing any incidents that may arise.
- Share pre-trip guidance with all employees, not just those who are open about their gender identity or sexual orientation. Don’t assume you know who will need the information – give it to all employees so that those who may not be out at work have the information they need to stay safe.
- Let employees decide whether or not to travel. When an employee receives their pre-travel awareness briefing, they may decide it is unsafe for them to travel to a destination, and organizations need to offer and respect that, encourage an open dialogue, and honor their decision.
- Foster an inclusive and accepting culture in the workplace. Feeling safe while traveling starts with establishing a respectful and inclusive corporate culture where all employees can bring their whole selves to work.
- Lean on travel risk management experts to understand the known risks at every location. Travel risk management companies play an important role in supporting LGBTQIA+ travelers by offering pre-trip intelligence about known risks and resources tailored to their needs.
Harrison adds, “By understanding the unique risks and providing targeted support, companies can help mitigate the challenges LGBTQIA+ travellers face and promote a safer, more inclusive travel experience.”
