As lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) professionals pursue their ambitions, global travel today offers greater career rewards as well as a degree of risk. While the U.S. and many societies are making real progress to achieve LGBT equality and inclusion under law, the fact is that more than 76 countries today still criminalize homosexuality.
The good news is that LGBT travelers – for the first time – may count on expert resources at their fingertips to guide them on ways to stay safe, productive and successful when navigating unfamiliar and uncertain destinations. These resources can now be found just a click away in a new mobile, interactive publication called The LGBT Guide to Business Travel, published by ManAboutWorld.
While gay leisure travel has long flourished around the world, and spawned many popular guidebooks – this is the first time that a comprehensive tool has been created that serves LGBT employees and entrepreneurs, whose business can take them to places where they face challenges and risks because of their sexuality or gender expression. The LGBT Guide to Business Travel helps address their questions and concerns:
"Am I at risk simply because I’m gay?"
"Should I discuss my trip with HR?"
"Can I bring my HIV meds with me?"
"How do I change the subject when colleagues ask about my family?"
"How can I connect with the locals without putting myself or them at risk?"
These questions and dozens more are addressed with a wide range of trusted resources – all accessible at your fingertips. From the U.S. State Department to Scruff, the Guide connects travelers with up to date information about laws, cultural customs, business etiquette and real world best practices from seasoned global travelers.
The mobile LGBT Guide to Business Travel was made possible through support from Marriott International and IBM, and sponsored also by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Their generous contributions make the Guide available for free download.
Billy Kolber, co-founder of ManAboutWorld, and editorial director for the new Guide, said: "Our aim has always been to shrink the world, and make it a more welcoming and accepting place for all LGBT people, including those who travel for work. This innovative guide is our promise to business travelers that they can achieve their goals – wherever the road leads them – by also being safe, connected and engaged with local cultures in ways that are socially and culturally smart."
Stacey Milne, VP, Portfolio Marketing Strategy + Planning at Marriott International, said, "We are proud to know that so many LGBT guests come to our hotels wherever their assignments take them. Our promise is to ensure their stay makes them feel equally and warmly welcomed whether in Atlanta or Zurich. This practical resource, which includes many tips from our own Marriott associates, is one more way of making their travels as successful as we can."
Speaking for IBM, Tony Tenicela, Global Leader and Managing Business Development Executive Workforce Diversity and LGBT Markets added, "IBM takes deep pride in supporting this education initiative. We feel like pioneers, too, over decades building global ventures and business opportunities that open doors for all including our LGBT colleagues, clients and partners. The new LGBT Guide builds on this trusted foundation."
Justin Nelson, NGLCC Co-Founder and President, said, "LGBT entrepreneurs are helping build a truly global economy through their hard work and creativity. That’s why we also are helping open new Chambers around the world that connect multinationals with LGBT business owners. The Guide can help be the glue that makes their way smooth and successful, and could not be more timely."
The editors at ManAboutWorld are considered among the most experienced gay travel journalists and advisers. Their contributors include some of the most influential voices in business and travel: leaders in LGBT rights, award-winning journalists, CEOs and business leaders, and celebrated travel pioneers.
Built for mobile, the LGBT Guide to Business Travel is available entirely free on iPhone, iPad and Android tablets and phones with the download of the ManAboutWorld app.
AppStore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/manaboutworld-gay-travel-magazine/id544119603?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=man.about.world
An interactive PDF version of the guide is also available for download at ManAboutWorld.com.
The Guide’s key topics include Safety and Security, Resources and LGBT Business Etiquette, while also offering technical and reassuring advice for staying connected to home, connecting with LGBT locals, and special tips for small businesses – helping LGBT business owners access some of the travel perks often reserved for employees of large corporations. The Guide also offers suggestions for ways LGBT travelers can help advance the cause of human rights globally.
ABOUT ManAboutWorld
ManAboutWorld provides information and inspiration targeting urban-based frequent travelers, in a travel magazine for gay men, and in mobile guides and branded content for gay travelers and the broader LGBT community. ManAboutWorld is one of the only mobile-first magazines, a pioneer in full-screen mobile content and marketing.
ABOUT Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,400 properties in 87 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of more than $14 billion in fiscal year 2015. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands. Marriott has a perfect 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, making the company one of America’s "Best Places to Work" for LGBT people.For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
ABOUT IBM
IBM has a long history of supporting LGBT employees and ranked among the Best Places to Work by the Human Rights Campaign
ABOUT NGLCC
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT- owned businesses.
