A more INCLUSIVE Airbnb? LGBTIQ, Racial Diversity etc

[Paul0]

Hi All,

The Airbnb community of Hosts, Guests & Staff are fantastically diverse and a lovely mix of the human condition. Yet of recent times, there has been growing concern over the known and unknown biases inherent in the platform (made up of tech and humans). Only the other day did Brian Chesky note this was a concern they will be investigating.

I appreciate it has been discussed on the old Group platform, but personally I've changed my mind (of late) so thought I'd bring the discussion up again.

What do other Airbnbers think about enabling Hosts to actively share that they are 'XXX Friendly' as a category of your listing? Historically I've been of the mindset of 'well, I am open to all and everyone on Airbnb SHOULD be' so had felt adding this wasn't necessary.

Now that the community is SO large (no longer for just early adopters) we are attracting more conservative types... this issue is certainly becoming more prominent. I'd happily highlight the fact we host people from all walks of life if this gives new Airbnbers additional confidence and comfort when planning their travels.

I think it's time for some tangible change here. Airbnb needs to step up and lead - the vast majority of the Hosts are ready.

What are your thoughts?

(PS - I hope I worded this correctly and apologise if my wording isn't 100% spot on relating to starting this discussion)

Thanks,

Paul

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[George49]

TERRIBLE IDEA! Saying you accept LGBT sounds a lot to me like when people say they accept pets! While when it comes to pets you totally should be able to set rules for the obvious reason, a person's sexual orientation has zero influence on your rental! Seems to me that some people are just looking for easy brownie points and to put on the image that they are holier than everyone else.... What's next, people asking for a button on airbnb that lights up and flashes brightly that they accept people of color? Come on.....

[Paul0]

@George49 - What a ridiculous and borderline offensive comparison.  This conversation is about how we can be a more accepting Host, finding an authentic and respectful way to do so... not how it affects you nor any Hosts specific frame of reference.  

We are an accepting community aren't we? 

[Helen3]

An interesting discussion.

I've been pretty appalled by some of the racist tones of conversations on various forums for BnB hosts about visitors - particular those from Asian backgrounds.

As someone from a BAME background, who works in communications and marketing I have been thinking about how BNB could improve things.... I do feel BnB could do more to promote a more inclusive community through its marketing and branding - why are all the pictures they use of able bodied hosts and visitors on their asdvertising? why are their no images of people from BAME backgrounds on these community forum pages? Why are the majority of images of hetrosexual couples or families?

It's a difficult conundrum - while I think no-one should be discriminated against on the grounds of religiion, disability, race or sexuality - I can see there are female hosts who may feel more comfortable catering for families or women, or those in muslim countries who may only be able to host their own sex.

I don't know what the answer is but I would like BNB to look at how they can address these issues and they can start by looking at their own branding including their imagery.

[Paul0]

@Helen3 - Thanks for the post. Well considered.

Airbnb as a company and perception on the street of recent times is an interesting juxtaposition.  Airbnb is truly one of the more diverse organisations I've ever met - the community is too! The casual racism of a small number of Hosts I've seen of late on conversation is a little worrying thought.

[Connie-Jo-and-Leslie0]

My husband recently posed the question, " I wonder what year it will be when we will stop calling it 'gay' marriage?"

This made me think about labels and how they change over time.

I personally am looking to host great citizens of the world. I get bookings from a large cross section of guests and I enjoy this. I had a lesbian couple stay and she made it clear it would be she and her girlfriend for a weekend getaway.  I sensed see she was making sure they would be welcomed and comfortable. Same thing we all want. 

The sometimes too real issue could be safety. The LGBTQ community has been disproportionately targeted with violence and hatred. Extra caution is justified. Perhaps the #hostwithpride tag is a sort of 'safe place' plaque like those in the windows of Fire Stations, Starbucks and other storefronts. This could allow guests know that this place is a safe haven where they can relax and let their guard down. I have two listings, one above the other. This label would also alert all potential guests that have strong prejudice or homophobia to stay somewhere else. 

I had a potential guest once ask if my neighborhood was safe. I replied, 'It depends on what you are afraid of. If Hipsters, Homosexuals and mixed race communities frighten you, then this is not for you'. Everone wants a safe, clean and inviting space when put their head down at night. The trouble is there are so many versions of safe, clean and inviting.

I do not like the idea of adding more labels and look forward to the day when we stop using them. 

I do want to let the world know I have a safe and comfortable place to offer to all. I am not sure of the solution but will follow this thread. EXCELLENT discussion. 

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

As hosts, we try to tactfully let our guests know things about us:  that we are lesbian women, dog lovers and pet friendly,  horse people, older 😞 etc.  As guests we are also all that.  Our profile pic is a dog.  Our main listing photo has a tractor and a bunch of dogs on it.  Our listing says LOO (lesbian owned and operated) and LGBT friendly.  Mainly because if  anything about US and our environment would make our guests uncomfortable then we hope they will clue in and book somewhere else.  Our GUESTS need to be the ones that are tolerant, of lesbians, animals, dust and all the things that go with a rural setting.  These descriptions in our listing are an attempt to make sure our guests are comfortable with US, not the other way around. 

[Phill0]

Hey fellow AirBNB participants,

Welcome to Los Angeles.  My name is Phill Wilson.  I am a super host in Los Angeles.  I have been hosting for 5 years.  Are there people attending the AirBNB Open this week that are interested in having a meetup of Black host and guests participants.  There has been a number of articles in the news about racial discrimination in the AirBNB community over the last year.  I am particularly interested in what role Black hosts and guests can play to make sure AirBNB is a welcoming place for everyone, without regard to race or ethnicity.  I am also interested in having conversations with Black and other people of color about how to improve our hosting and travel experiences, increase our business and increase the number of Black people who are a part of the AirBNB experience.  I live in Los Angeles.  My house is pretty big.  I am willing to host a meetup at my place, if people are interested.