One in three LGBT travelers experience homophobic or transphobic treatment while on holiday.
This is according to a new survey conducted by Virgin Holidays, which also revealed that 6% of LGBT travelers face the threat of physical violence due to the their sexuality, and 63% refused to travel somewhere that had an unwelcoming attitude towards the LGBT community. To avoid discrimination, almost a quarter (23%) of the survey’s respondents said that they adapted the way they act and behave to try and camouflage their sexuality when on holiday.
Worse, 80% of LGBT travelers believe that the travel industry don’t do enough to inform customers about local laws prior to departure.
The survey results were released to coincide with the launch of Virgin Holiday’s new “Lose the Labels” campaign, which eyes to improve LGBT travelers’ holiday experiences.
“At Virgin Holidays, we believe everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to be whoever they are, wherever they are. That’s why it is shocking that in today’s society some of us can’t even enjoy a simple holiday without fear of discrimination,” said Virgin CEO Sir Richard Branson.
