How far has the LGBT+ community come in terms of non-discriminatory global travel? Or even discrimination in general. And the answer is, not far enough.
This question was posed at the LGBT+ Leadership Summit at ITB Berlin last week, looking at what has been achieved and what still needed to be done.
“We have already reached many goals in the LGBT+ community. In many parts of the world we find general acceptance, anti-discrimination laws and gay marriage,” said Moderator, David Downing, from United Landmark Associates. He added, however, that there was considerable discrimination in everyday life, at the workplace and on trips to many places around the world, including Europe.
President of Aequalitas Media and Co-founder of the US media brand, Outvoices, DJ Doran, said there were still stigmas – and skewed perceptions of the community – attached to the LGBT+ market that needed to be addressed.
“We have to emphasise our everyday image more, as lawyers, pilots, chefs, hard-working members of the population. Show that we are part of everyday society.” He pointed out that it would then be easier for people to get rid of their prejudices and recognise LGBT+ members for what they were: normal people.
It is, however, not always that simple, cautioned Annette Pampel, Consultant at Diversity People Culture for Coca-Cola European Partners Germany. She said that while many countries had “gay-friendly” policies, there were major differences in acceptance between urban and rural areas.
“We still live in a world in which a woman has to think twice about outing herself at the workplace, and others in executive positions at conservative companies who keep their status hidden. We have to look at people across the board and give them a voice.”
Lipian Mtandabari, Director of South African-based LGBTQ exclusive travel company, Ntsako Travel Africa, told Tourism Update in an interview recently that many from the LGBTQ community would hide their relationships and not show affection in public if they travelled to countries less accepting of diversity.
In fact, even though South Africa is seen as the most gay-friendly destination in Africa, there have been instances where LGBT+ couples have been discriminated against.
Mtandabari also bemoaned the fact that many destinations in Africa did not effectively market themselves to this community.
“I do think that many destinations need guidance and mentorship with regard to this,” said Mtandabari, highlighting that Ntsako Travel Africa specialised in working with destination marketing companies to promote their destinations to the LGBT+ community.
Martina Kohlhuber, Chairperson of Gay Games Munich 2026 – the world's largest amateur sports event – takes her responsibility seriously to advocate for the LGBT+ community and tear down barriers, but she finds the apathy among younger generations frustrating.
“Once a year they turn up at a pride parade, but otherwise they barely get involved,” she said. This makes it harder to address the challenges.
