LGBTQ+ travelers have long been known as discerning in their choices for destinations, accommodation, dining, and more. And as our power as a community grows, more LGBTQ+ travelers are flexing that muscle to ensure the choices they make further empower the community and, in turn, enrich the world around us. Airbnb has always been an active supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and travelers, and a recent report shows the impact of inclusive language in rental listings.
A recent study conducted by Morning Consult Brand Intelligence found that 41 percent of LGBTQ+ respondents who travel identify as users of Airbnb. That’s a full eight percent higher than the overall percentage of all American leisure travelers. And Airbnb also identified a 90 percent surge of Hosts using inclusive language since 2017.
Kit Williams knows the importance of inclusive and affirmational language for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Kit Williams and John HalbachPHOTO COURTESY AIRBNB
The acclaimed actor, filmmaker, and creator of the hit Netflix series EastSiders has worked with his husband John Halbach to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ travelers in their Joshua Tree home the two have listed on Airbnb.
RELATED: Top 15 Airbnb Preferred LGBTQ+ Destinations
And potential visitors are made instantly aware of that welcoming environment when they read the inclusive language used in their listing.
“As a queer filmmaker, I believe that words have power,” Williams says. “When my husband and I travel we always gravitate towards Airbnb listings that use inclusive language, so when we became Airbnb Hosts ourselves, we wanted to make sure our home in Joshua Tree was a space where everyone feels welcome. The fact that more and more Hosts are taking this approach is a testament to the evolving attitudes and acceptance within our global community.”
The couple’s home, aptly named Benecia Oasis, was just featured in the June 2023 edition of Palm Springs Life Magazine. The mid-century modern 1970s home features a pool and the Bohemian charm of Joshua Tree.
Benecia OasisPHOTO COURTESY AIRBNB
Airbnb has done more than center inclusive language. The company has implemented policies and programs designed to fight discrimination and foster an inclusive and affirming environment in both their workplace and within the entire Airbnb community of Hosts and users.
The Airbnb Community Commitment requires Hosts and users to treat each other with respect and free of bigotry, bias, or judgment. Airbnb also includes resources for Hosts to help them create an inclusive and affirming environment in their listings.
These efforts are paying off as Hosts earned more than $77 million collectively during Pride celebrations in their respective communities last year according to Airbnb.
Here are a few other Airbnb listings that proudly center inclusive language (and some totally gay-friendly themes) for LGBTQ+ travelers.
The Andersonville Hooch ParlorPHOTO COURTESY AIRBNB
The Andersonville Hooch Parlor in Chicago, Illinois, features a 1920s speakeasy-themed suite that truly rolls out the rainbow carpet for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Madison PlacePHOTO COURTESY AIRBNB
Madison Place in Ogden, Utah, is a historic home built in 1893 featuring 10-foot ceilings and plenty of LGBTQ+ charm as well.
Secret Bywater Garden CottagePHOTO COURTESY AIRBNB
And the Secret Bywater Garden Cottage proudly welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers to New Orleans, Louisiana.
You can learn more about Airbnb’s commitment to the use of LGBTQ+ language at news.airbnb.com. And be sure to check out the Top 15 Airbnb Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers.
