The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s (IGLTA) Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group is urging the travel industry to support inclusion and safety for all travelers as attempts to erase anti-trans/gender diverse people escalate globally. The volunteer-led group, in collaboration with IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation, has released a statement calling for meaningful action.

“With increased visibility often comes pushback, and trans and gender diverse (TGD) travelers continue to face significant barriers to safe and inclusive travel. Many global entities still fail to recognize gender diversity, while others are rolling back protections, reinforcing outdated assumptions that restrict movement for TGD travelers. Reports of barriers at borders—such as invasive screenings, denial of entry, and refusal to recognize an ‘X’ gender marker designation for nonbinary or intersex people and an aligned gender marker for binary trans people on passports—is just the beginning.

“These challenges extend beyond travel and reflect broader societal issues. However, we believe that travel can be a powerful catalyst for a more inclusive world, and are committed to enabling travel that enriches lives and connects all members of our LGBTQ+ community.

“IGLTA invites the industry to stand with us and support a future where trans and gender-diverse travelers can move through the world freely and safely as their authentic selves,” said the IGLTA Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group (GTAG).

GTAG calls on industry leaders to take meaningful action by:

• Reviewing and updating internal policies to align with best practices for gender inclusivity.
• Advocating for equitable travel experiences by encouraging destinations, hospitality, and travel service providers to be gender-inclusive.
• Utilizing IGLTA Foundation resources to learn how to support gender-diverse travelers at every stage of their journey.

To help guide this progress, GTAG will host a webinar on 27 March at 11AM (ET) titled Traveling Beyond Two Sexes: What It Really Means to Create an Inclusive Travel Industry for Trans and Gender Diverse Travelers. The session will provide insights into best practices and actionable steps for travel professionals to support greater inclusion. RSVP for the webinar here. 

GTAG provides guidance and resources to enhance accessibility and safety for trans and gender-diverse travelers. The group works to ensure IGLTA members and the broader tourism industry create welcoming spaces where all travelers can thrive. Learn more about the group’s work here.

About IGLTA & The IGLTA Foundation

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA’s global network includes 13,000+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80 countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow social media at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation.