Preferred pronouns

[John6403]

Airbnb can keep its politics to itself with the suggestion that I list my preferred pronouns on our listing. That is just pandering to transgender activists. I don't know or care about the ethnicity or sexual orientation of our guests. We just want them to enjoy themselves. So Airbnb, stay out of my business.

[Annie1372]

@John6403 

AirBNB is only suggesting that. But if you do not like that, or understand it, it is your right. Just don’t do it.

[Anonymous]

@John6403   If Airbnb is pandering to anyone here, it's not "transgender activists" so much as the young generation that's coming of age and becoming an increasingly large share of the travel market. People under 30 have a different take on gender and pronouns than previous generations, and far more identify as non-binary than ever before. You don't have to agree with their point of view, but when something is important to your customers it's good business sense to acknowledge it.

Of course, you're not required to list your preferred pronouns on your profile if you don't want to. It's certainly your right to say it's none of anyone's business. But is the concept so outrageous that you don't happen to have preferred pronouns yourself? 

[John6403]

And if Airbnb suggested that I leave a MAGA hat on the door knob to be more friendly to visiting Trump supporters, you would be OK with that?

This is an attempt by Airbnb to make a political position mainstream.

[Helen3]

Quite frankly your comments sounds rather ridiculous . 

if Airbnb annoys you so much - use another platform @John6403 

[John6403]

And so now not only do have Airbnb taking a political position, now we have hosts insulting each other.

[Helen3]

I wasn't insulting you . I was saying your comments sound ridiculous. 

[John6403]

Instead of dealing with my argument, you labelled it "ridiculous".  Perhaps you would address what I said first.

[Heather133]

Hi @John6403 , I appreciate that you brought this up and I understand that you and other hosts may be uncomfortable with the idea of giving your pronouns. Sadly, transgender sensitivity has become highly politicized. I wish it wasn't. I imagine it is heartbreaking, and at times dangerous, for trans and non-binary people that it is so. Thankfully for you, adding your pronouns is just a suggestion and you are free to do as you see fit. 

When I offer my pronouns it is a way for me to let guests know that All Are Welcome Here. I want everyone who rents my home to feel comfortable, safe and valued. That is not the case everywhere. 

It has taken me a while, but as I have gotten to know more transgender and non-binary people, I have gotten more comfortable adapting to different pronouns. Maybe you will too. Maybe you won't. I hope you do.

You would be welcome at my listings, even if you showed up in a "maga" hat, because I believe if "we the people" can keep coming together and finding common ground in mutually respectful conversations, there is hope for generations to come.

I am including a picture I made for my listings. Anyone reading this message is welcome to use it for their listings too.

All the best to you from a fellow host,

Heather

she/her

[John6403]

Thank you Heather for the courteous and thoughtful response. We may have to agree to disagree. I have to deal with my own integrity. That means that we do not self-label ourselves in a way that contradicts our biology and genetics. And we do not require others to contradict their own integrity.

My wife and I welcome everyone of every race, gender, sexual orientation, even though we hardly, if ever, know what they are. Even those with mega hats. Our goal is to provide a comfortable setting for a fabulous experience and to earn extra income at the same time. We don't need to inject politics into it, or we begin to compromise our goals.

As has often been said, business and politics don't mix very well.

Best of luck with your hosting.

[Huma0]

I didn't even know this was an option. I have not seen this on my own profile when I go to edit mode and never noticed it on a guest profile either.

Personally I don't feel the need to state which gender I identify with, but I have absolutely no problem with others doing so and it's not uncommon. In the industry I work it, it's pretty much the norm now for people to have this in their email signature.

The vast majority of my guests are young and they don't seem particularly bothered about whether the host specifies this or not, regardless of if they are transgender or non-binary. In those cases, the guests never mention their orientation until after they have arrived. I do worry about them though, because what if they encounter a host (especially in a homeshare) who is not okay with it? 

So, perhaps it is a good idea for hosts to specify this to show that they understand and that their listing is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

[David8879]

This escalated quickly