Keeping LGBTQ+ Travellers Safe: How Organisations can Promote Safety for Business Travellers

8 June, New Delhi- In today’s ever-evolving world, it is imperative to recognise the diverse needs of travellers and the significance of LGBTQ+ travel safety. International SOS, the world's leading medical and security services company, is delighted to announce the release of its refreshed LGBTQ+ module in celebration of the Pride Month. The microlearning was designed with advice from Stonewall UK, an LGBTQ+ rights charity. It aims to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote inclusivity and safeguard the LGBTQ+ community during their business travels.

The refreshed LGBTQ+ module covers destination-specific societal attitudes, biases and challenges that could pose as potential risks to LGBTQ+ travellers. It also covers varying immigration and airport security regulations, local laws and practices regarding the import of certain medications, as well as guidance on accessing safe support. The course will also be available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Simplified Chinese.

Laurent Fourier, CEO, Health & Security Subscription Services at International SOS comments “Discrimination and violence remain critical issues for the LGBTQ+ community. The risks faced by the LGBTQ+ workforce may vary based on the destination to which they travel and may be influenced by factors, including the legal status and the levels of social tolerance. Organisations should be aware that the travel experience can be very different for their LGBTQ+ workforce and must adequately prepare its employees for foreseeable health and travel security risks.

“The LGBTQ+ module offers valuable resources for pre-trip research, including insights on local customs, beliefs, and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in various regions. This helps organisations fulfil their Duty of Care in safeguarding their diverse mobile workforce.”

Top Five Tips for Organisations to Promote the Safety of Their LGBTQ+ Travelling Workforce:

1. Encourage pre-trip research and preparation – provide all travellers with access to LGBTQ+ information and pre-departure advice. Relevant information should include the local application of LGBTQ+ rights, restrictive laws, as well as the societal attitudes at the travel destination.
2. Educate employees on safety precautions – provide LGBTQ+ specific guidance on risks and mitigation to travelling employees to enable them to make informed decisions about their safety and that of their colleagues. This may include awareness on dress etiquette, avoiding high-risk areas and being mindful of exhibiting public displays of affection or exposing their personal information.
3. Ensure understanding of local immigration policies and airport security –transgender travellers may experience difficulties entering a country if their identification documents do not match their current presentation. In some instances, it may help to speak to a medical professional ahead of travel to assess whether a supporting letter providing explanation could facilitate entry.
4. Offer safe accommodation recommendations – lack of anti-discrimination laws might facilitate an ability to refuse accommodation. Provide employees with a list of accommodation that have a proven commitment to LGBTQ+ safety and inclusivity.
5. Communicate LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and emergency contacts – ensure that employees are aware of their rights and the resources available to them. This helps LGBTQ+ travellers to feel supported and know where to seek assistance when required.

For more information on how International SOS can help safeguard your workforce, click here.

To learn more about International SOS digital training portfolio, click here.