Recently updated on August 1st, 2024 at 11:30 am
What does it take to be an LGBTQ ally when traveling? How do you show support for fellow guests and travelers when out on the road? To help us write this guide to being a good LGBTQ ally, we got the help of two past guests, Craig and Graham from Adelaide, South Australia. They’ve joined us on two of the most amazing and memorable tours we’ve had to date.
The first was in 2022, where they got engaged on tour, on a magical sunset cruise beneath the Eiffel Tower while on the Grand European. The second tour took place a year later, when they decided to tie the knot with more new tour friends in Dubrovnik while on Balkan Delight.
One of the best aspects of touring is sharing experiences and creating memories with a wonderfully diverse group of people. So, we asked Craig and Graham to talk about their experiences and give us some insights on how to be the best LGBTQ ally when traveling.
“When you first meet your tour companions, don’t make assumptions about their identities or relationships, based on their appearance. Be respectful of gender identity and use inclusive language, when talking to or about LGBTIQA+ people. This will have an immediate impact in helping your new friends to feel comfortable and confident to be themselves on tour.
“Most importantly, we all have the responsibility to promote an environment that is accepting and inclusive of all backgrounds, regardless of genders, sexualities, races and abilities. It doesn’t take much effort to contribute to a harmonious tour and you can set a positive example for the rest of the group, by demonstrating inclusive behaviour and attitudes in your interactions with others.“
“If somebody feels comfortable enough to share their identity with you, as part of their adding story, respect their privacy and don’t disclose it to the rest of the tour group without their permission. Ask them which gender pronouns they use, so that you can refer to them respectfully in your interactions.
“Understand that traveling to some countries can present cultural and legal challenges for those in the LGBTIQA+ community to navigate. Create supportive, safe spaces when exploring on tour and be sure to exercise discretion.“
“Call out any discriminatory language or behaviours. Casual homophobia is still a big issue for the LGBTIQA+ community. Used directly or indirectly, it negatively impacts the travelling experience for anybody who identifies as LGBTIQA+, and those with family, friends or colleagues who identify. If you don’t feel comfortable confronting the behaviour, raise the matter with your tour director.
“Graham and I have been so grateful for our experiences on tour with Trafalgar – the tour directors and guests have all shown such positive, progressive and inclusive attitudes, which has made each trip feel like family.“
“We couldn’t have asked for better allies, from the guests who embraced us with such warmth and happiness during our Paris proposal, and those who ultimately became our wedding guests in Croatia.
“I mean, the tour director Tod, thoughtfully helped to arrange our surprise wedding, and fellow guests Cassie and Kristen became our groomsmaids with, Ashlinn performing the ceremony… now that is being an ally to the absolute max!“
“To our friends in the LGBTIQA+ community, you don’t need to feel any hesitation about booking yourself onto a group tour. You will contribute to a wonderful social fabric of identities, uniting together with a shared passion for travel and adventure.
“Diversity is beautiful! At the end of the day, inclusive and respectful spaces benefit everyone! The key is to treat everyone on tour with equal respect and in return, you will benefit from the most enriching new friendships.“
Do you have experience of traveling as a member of the LGBTIQA+ community? Tell us how what being an ally means to you.