Today, I want to thank Airbnb for creating a platform which fosters inclusion and respect through strong non-discrimination policies which encourage hosts to welcome all guests regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
Without these policies, I am sure we would have seen multiple listings which would have openly called out restrictions like, "for couples only", "not suitable for LGBTQ", etc. Let's admit, we don't live in a perfect world, and there are people who dislike certain sections of people based of who they love or where they come from or how they look or which God they worship. But the strong stand that Airbnb has taken against such people makes it very easy for this brown unmarried gay Indian man to freely experience the world and feel welcomed everywhere.
Airbnb does not require me to mention my sexual orientation, race, marital status, etc. when I try to book a place and that is a huge burden taken off my chest. I have been denied accomodation by conventional hotels in India due to my sexual orientation and I have been treated disrespectfully abroad due to my nationality perhaps - such treatment not only makes you angry but also leaves you with a very negative feeling of dejection which can ruin your trip.
But never have I had such an experience with any Airbnb Host that I have lived with around the world.
India recently decriminatized homosexuality, but long before that, I had ran a poll amongst some India Airbnb Hosts (we have a Facebook group) to check if they would be comfortable hosting LGBTQ guests, and despite the social stigma that exists in India, 100% of the Airbnb Hosts had voted YES. The feeling that I have, simply by knowing that a stranger is willing to open their home to me with a smile and a warm hug depsite of having so many differences is extremely special and comforting; and it would not be a streatch to say that it restores my faith in Humanity, mutual respect and co-existance.
Airbnb has taken up various initiatives such as #HostWithPride and #BelongAnywhere to sensatize hosts from time to time and make their stand crystal clear on non-discrimination. Their touching videos always leave me with goosebumps and a smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL2P2u45SCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggmhaWVeMr0
So THANK YOU Airbnb and all fellow hosts for your acceptance, respect and for hosting me with pride so that people like me can belong anywhere, too.
Have a great holiday season and let me know below what you are grateful for today.
Don't forget to hit the thumbs-up if you like my post 🙂
Cheers!
*Part of the Community Center's Month of Celebration