Essential resources for a 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive travel program

Travel management involves maintaining the safety of all employees while they’re travelling. However, there are unique concerns to be aware of for 2SLGBTQIA+ business travellers.

Below you’ll find a list of the helpful 2SLGBTQIA+ resources for business travel planning. We’ve got safety tips for both travellers and organizations, helpful resources to know before you go, and a section of recommended resources from risk management experts.

Safety resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers

Certain countries or destinations can be considered unsafe for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, including places where same-sex relationships are against the law. Government travel advisory websites are a good place to research specific destinations, especially if they have information related to local laws and culture. Here are a few recommended links for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers.

The Government of Canada travel website: "Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics" has information on a variety of topics like passports, activities, or services.
The U.S. Department of State travel website: The LGBTQI+ page covers tips for before you travel, while you’re abroad, and what to do if you need to contact an embassy.
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has insightful online guides for 2SLGBTQIA+ safety, trans safety, marriage equality, and HIV travel.

Using pronouns for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers

It’s common to see 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies displaying their pronouns in business settings, for example in an email signature. As a travel planner, how do you know which one to use when they list hybrid pronouns such as she/they?

Just ask! Some people might use one set of pronouns in certain contexts and not in others. Or they might be more comfortable with alternating between pronouns. We’ve also seen those who wear pins or bracelets to indicate which set of pronouns they currently use. It's best not to assume. You can simply share your own pronouns and ask them for theirs.

Pronouns.org is a practical resource dedicated to the empowering and inclusive use of personal pronouns in the English language. This website will help you understand why and how to use the pronouns someone goes by.

When booking travel, try not to limit travellers to selecting only one set of pronouns for their profile. At the same time, making note of the gender on their travel documents can make for a smoother experience when travel systems only accept one set of pronouns.

Helpful resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ travel planning

These additional resources can also help with travel planning for 2SLGBTQIA+ business travellers. We’ve compiled this list with recommendations from travel experts in DEI and geopolitical analysis.

Information listed by country:

Equaldex is a crowd-sourced knowledge base of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights by country and region.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) publishes an annual world report and a map on legislation that criminalizes or protects people on the basis of their sexual orientation or recognizing their relationships.

Research and reports:

The Pew Research Center’s Global Divide on Homosexuality report from 2020 highlights countries' cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.
OutRight Action International provides reports of human rights violations specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Amnesty International publishes a report on the state of the world's human rights.
The U.S. State Department also publishes annual human rights reports, which include acts of violence and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Navigating passports and airports:

For U.S. nationals, the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on passport gender designation changes and name changes.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides guidance for transgender passengers. This resource is specific to the U.S. and may not apply abroad. However, it prepares you for departure from a U.S. airport.

Guides for building a good travel risk management program

Planning individual business trips for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees is one thing, but having an inclusive travel program to start with is even better. The following sources can help you evaluate or create a 2SLGBTQIA+ travel program that builds inclusiveness and addresses organizational risk.

Risk Management Monitor has a basic overview called Beyond Pride: Building Strong Diversity and Inclusion Programs and also Travel Risk Management for LGBTQ+ Employees.
Risk Management Magazine discusses engaging employees in their own duty of care.
Harvard University’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guidance & Resources
LGBTQ Travel Security Concerns from a risk management perspective.
Best Practice Risk Management for LGBT Travelers
LGBTQ+ Travel Safety shows some travel statistics.

Six Steps to Support Your LGBTQ Travelers

Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ employees beyond travel

If you’re interested in finding out more about supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive workplaces, these organizations are working for progress at home and abroad. The following resources are excellent for promoting workplace diversity and inclusion, along with encouraging further learning:

Canadian resources:

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a forward-looking social organization with research and learning woven into its DNA, tracing how people identify alongside demographic trends within the Canadian workplace to move employers from diversity to inclusion.
Pride at Work Canada empowers Canadian employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Their learning, networking and community events happen across the country, advising, celebrating and connecting the most inclusive Canadian employers.

U.S. resources:

Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace equality. Through their worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships, and annual Workplace Summit conference, they help support organizations in creating a culture of belonging for all.
All-In with Google - 2SLGBTQIA+ people have been historically excluded from marketing creative. Built with input from community partners, these U.S.-focused insights are a starting reference to help you create marketing that represents all people.
PFLAG, founded in 1973, is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families. Its more than 325,000 members and supporters work to create a caring, just, and affirming world for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those who love them.
IGLTA was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming tourism businesses. They provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within 2SLGBTQIA+ tourism worldwide.

There are many excellent resources to help you create an 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive travel program or an inclusive workplace in general. Topics like safety, pronouns, and risk management, plus local laws and culture, are all relevant.

As with any travel policy, it’s important to review and refine it on a yearly basis to make sure all information and assumptions are up-to-date. For more information on travel planning resources, check out the Resources Hub, especially our latest whitepapers.

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