IGLTA BRINGS THE MESSAGE OF INCLUSIVITY AND LGBTQ RIGHTS TO INDIA

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association IGLTA) hosted its 2nd symposium in Delhi on February 1, 2024. LoAnn Halden, Vice President, Communications, IGLTA, and Thomas TJ’ Chernick, Foundation Partnership Engagement Director, IGLTA Foundation, shared their insights on creating an all-inclusive world where safe travel 1s accessible to everyone, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation. They emphasised the necessity for extensive research, education, and strategic efforts to foster global equality.

- Prativa Vaidya Bhalla

Even as travel becomes increasingly accessible, the LGBTQ+ community continues to encounter hurdles on their journeys. However, organisations like the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) are actively working to bridge this gap. By creating safe environments and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide, IGLTA aims to ensure freedom of travel and the opportunity to experience diverse cultures without fear or prejudice.

LoAnn states, “IGLTA is a global memberbased association connecting LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses to ensure safe experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers. We offer free travel resources and promote equality and safety worldwide. We have members in over 80 countries, including destinations, accommodations, transport, and service providers.” The IGLTA Accredited Programme serves as the gold standard, ensuring that properties and organisations meet comprehensive criteria to promote equality and safety for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Offering his viewpoint, TJ elaborates, “As IGLTA's philanthropic arm, the IGLTA Foundation helps to execute its mission through three core pillars of leadership, research, and education. This encompasses fellowships, training, and scholarships to ensure inclusion. The foundation executes original research like industry trend surveys and travel guides to help the travel trade and individuals make smart decisions regarding LGBTQ+ inclusive travel and responsible tourism.” The foundation’s free resources, like travel safety, country guides, and HIV travel guides, aim to inform travellers about safety and security challenges and are available for both trade and individual consumers.

Challenges and Redressal