Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Overcoming Outdated Laws and Social Stigmas

India has historically had regressive laws and prevailing social attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex relations, was only struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018 after a prolonged legal battle. While this landmark judgment paved the way for decriminalization, it did not instantly change prevailing mindsets across the country. Discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQ individuals remain pressing issues.

Several travel companies in India have taken it upon themselves to drive positive change by making the tourism sector more inclusive. Tour operator India Someday is at the forefront of catering to LGBTQ travelers through specially curated tours and itineraries. As co-founder Parmesh Shahani puts it, “India is very diverse, but a lot of its diversity has been hidden away and brushed under the carpet. We want to change that.” The company trains local guides to be sensitive, ensures partner hotels are welcoming, and designs customized group tours to create safe spaces.

Overcoming stigma requires persistent grassroots action. India Someday works closely with local NGOs to change attitudes in rural areas through community workshops. They also sponsor the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, the country's biggest LGBTQ film event promoting equality through art. As Shahani notes, “Film and media play a big role in shaping the narrative on inclusiveness.”

While laws may have changed, transforming social attitudes is a gradual process. When booking accommodations, many Indian hotels still refuse to accept LGBTQ couples. Tour agency Imbue Travel takes this obstacle in its stride. Founder MP Dunlea personally vets LGBTQ-friendly hotels before including them on bespoke itineraries. Dunlea aims to “make India a country where everyone can travel freely without fear of discrimination.” Imbue Travel pairs travelers with local LGBTQ guides for a more authentic experience. According to Dunlea, “It’s important for us to work with people who identify as part of the community we cater to.”

Overcoming stigma requires resolve from within the travel industry. Bespoke tour operator Unhotel offers LGBTQ cultural immersions and culinary experiences in open-minded spaces. The company trains staff to be thoughtful allies and sensitizes partner venues. “We cannot wait for mindsets to change. The change must come from us,” asserts founder Amit Kamle on creating safe and judgment-free tourism.

What else is in this post?

1. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Overcoming Outdated Laws and Social Stigmas
2. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Promoting Inclusivity in Hotels and Transportation
3. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Creating Tailored Tour Experiences
4. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Partnering with LGBTQ Organizations
5. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Ensuring Safety and Support Across India
6. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Highlighting Diverse Attractions and Nightlife
7. Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Leading by Example for the Region

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Promoting Inclusivity in Hotels and Transportation

India's hospitality sector has made great strides in becoming more inclusive, but persistent discrimination remains an issue. Many hotels continue turning away LGBTQ guests, while public transportation can often feel unsafe. Progressive companies are working to overcome this.

As MP Dunlea of Imbue Travel notes, "We personally vet every hotel we work with to ensure they don't discriminate. We want to promote properties that make all guests feel welcome, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Properties that Imbue features must demonstrate tangible policies - from training staff on appropriate conduct to having inclusive booking forms. Luxury hotels like the Taj and Oberoi chains have explicit non-discrimination policies. Budget accommodations remain hit-or-miss, an area needing improvement.

Transportation presents unique challenges. Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber are relatively safe options, but public transit can be more precarious. India Someday provides private vehicles for all their tours. "Many guests feel apprehensive about traveling on local buses or trains. We want to eliminate anxiety around getting from place to place," shares Parmesh Shahani. For larger group tours, they charter LGBTQ-friendly buses and drivers. Making private transportation accessible enables worry-free mobility.
Beyond logistics, some companies get creative in promoting inclusivity. Tour agency Curves n' Colors hosts lively drag shows at partner venues. This exposure helps demystify LGBTQ communities through upbeat entertainment. Hotels like Novotel in Goa host Miami-style pool parties for gay travelers, creating lively spaces for celebration.

There is still ample room for progress. Curves n' Colors founder Noor Enayat states, "We caution guests that India is not as progressive as the West. Clients appreciate our honesty about challenges." Being transparent about persisting discrimination allows travelers to make informed choices. Enayat adds, "We help tourists navigate tricky situations while showcasing India's diversity." Balancing pragmatism with idealism is key.
Promoting inclusivity requires collective effort across sectors. As Unhotel's Amit Kamle affirms, "We actively collaborate with other organizations pushing for equality." Building strong networks magnifies impact. Smaller gay-owned businesses also need nurturing. Imbue Travel spotlights creative venues like Delhi's artsy Blue Terra cafe, supporting the community. Prioritizing ethical partnerships advances sustainable change.

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Creating Tailored Tour Experiences

India is a vast country, and no two travelers' interests are exactly alike. That's why bespoke tour experiences tailored to each LGBTQ tourist's unique preferences are so invaluable. mainstream tours often showcase only the most popular attractions crowded with other tourists. In contrast, customized itineraries by LGBTQ-specialized agencies dig deeper to reveal India's incredible diversity through a queer lens.
As Parmesh Shahani of India Someday explains, "We handcraft unforgettable journeys that let clients experience the real India few get to see." Itineraries feature hidden gems like the ancient erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and drag performances in underground Mumbai nightclubs. Travelers also enjoy exclusive access to local queer activists leading the fight for equality. These inspiring encounters create space for one-on-one dialogue impossible in larger groups.

Imbue Travel's MP Dunlea curates tailored multi-city tours from the storied elegance of Udaipur to the beachside vibe of Goa. Clients visit NGOs supporting vulnerable LGBTQ youth and dine with queer Bollywood celebrities at intimate dinner parties. Dunlea remarks, "We customize to match each traveler's interests - art, food, spirituality, nightlife. This deep cultural immersion leaves a powerful impression."

Bespoke tours allow complete flexibility. Unhotel handcrafts trips centering clients' unique passions, whether hiking mountainous Ladakh or exploring Pune's industrial history. Founder Amit Kamle explains, "We build each travel experience around what makes our guests come alive. This might mean gain exclusive access to a 14th century fort or witness an extravagant Indian wedding." No request is too ambitious.
Curves N' Colors makes customized tours interactive. Founder Noor Enayat reveals, "Clients share their dream itinerary ideas and we make them happen." Guests may learn traditional Indian cooking at a Mumbai flat or shoot a mini Bollywood film. Enayat adds, "We give travelers agency in crafting their own journey." This collaborative process results in extraordinary adventures.

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Partnering with LGBTQ Organizations

Forging strong bonds with local LGBTQ organizations amplifies a company's impact in moving the needle on inclusion. These grassroots entities understand firsthand the challenges their communities face. Partnering allows travel firms to tap into this ground-level expertise when designing tours and engaging with locals. These collaborations also boost the organizations' capacity and visibility. It's a win-win scenario.

Curves n' Colors has built close ties with groups like Humsafar Trust, which does vital advocacy and outreach to at-risk LGBTQ youth. Founder Noor Enayat explains, "We leverage their community connections to craft tours that provide unique access and insight." Humsafar helps identify queer-friendly venues and shares knowledge on navigating specific locations. Travelers get to meet the Trust's members and learn of their empowerment programs. These visits provide visibility and inspire donors.

Imbue Travel partners with NGOs like Mumbai-based Gay Bombay (MGB). MP Dunlea notes, "MGB gives us an authentic view of challenges LGBTQ locals face." Travelers can participate in MGB workshops aimed at fostering inclusion. The NGO also connects Imbue with queer guides to lead tours. This collaboration allows MGB to hire LGBTQ individuals facing discrimination. Their stories resonate deeply with travelers eager to help.
According to Parmesh Shahani of India Someday, "Partnering expands our capacity to drive change." For example, they collaborated with Delhi-based NGO Nazariya to host an LGBTQ youth art workshop. Creative expression provided catharsis for marginalized attendees rarely given such opportunities. Connecting with these groups multiplies the positive impact companies can have.

UNESCO has hailed these partnerships as powerful tools for social transformation. Amit Kamle of Unhotel muses, "Joint campaigns have more resonance coming from multiple trusted voices." Enabling LGBTQ activists to share stories on tours shifts perceptions. Travel businesses can amplify their messages worldwide. Partnerships also bring overdue attention to smaller NGOs struggling with limited resources. There is tremendous untapped potential to collaborate.

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Ensuring Safety and Support Across India

India's vast diversity means safety concerns and support systems vary greatly across states. Companies must tailor destination advice and contingency plans to each location's unique challenges. This hyperlocal approach is key for LGBTQ travelers having worry-free, fulfilling journeys.

Urban hubs like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are relatively queer-friendly oases, but risks grow in smaller towns and rural areas. As India Someday's Parmesh Shahani cautions, "Safety anxieties can ruin travel, so we prepare guests for challenges specific to each place." In conservative spots, they provide tips on discretion, recommend ally hotels, and share trusted emergency contacts. Knowing a helping hand is accessible provides comfort.

Rural destinations require extra vigilance. Imbue Travel vets accommodation and venues to gauge local attitudes before approving a remote itinerary. Founder MP Dunlea explains, "We inspect sites personally and orient local guides to ensure travelers' wellbeing." Clients also receive laminated cards with emergency phrases in Hindi and a 24/7 helpline number for support. Having contingency plans prevents stress.
Noor Enayat of Curves N' Colors notes that patriarchal attitudes in India's North require a nuanced approach. "We advise guests to avoid overt public displays of affection and be mindful of clothing choices." Providing this pragmatic guidance helps tourists avoid potentially unsafe situations while exploring areas with less exposure to diversity. Enayat adds, "We want clients to soak in the culture without compromising their safety."

When designing tours crossing multiple states, Unhotel plots routes avoiding high-risk zones. Founder Amit Kamle reveals, "Road trips through India's heartland can be dicey for LGBTQ travelers, so we plot circuitous routes or arrange flights between destinations." Avoiding driving through extremely conservative enclaves reduces risks. Tailoring transport logistics to safety needs makes multi-city journeys smooth.
LGBTQ-owned guesthouses and homestays within local queer communities provide welcome sanctuaries in far-flung areas. Enayat enthuses, "These accommodations enable immersive cultural exchange in a protective bubble." Home-cooked meals and candid conversations forge bonds transcending barriers. These stays leave indelible impressions.
To combat isolation, companies organize small group tours or connect independent travelers with local companions. Kamle explains, "Having a queer expat or ally guide provides huge comfort discovering rural areas." Shared journeys with those familiar with regional sensitivities prevents disorientation. Developing hyperlocal expertise is imperative for nationwide support.

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Highlighting Diverse Attractions and Nightlife

India dazzles with a kaleidoscope of experiences for LGBTQ travelers. Beyond the Golden Triangle and textbook top sights, tailored tours by specialized agencies showcase the country’s incredible diversity through an inclusive lens. Discover a side of India many never see, from the exuberance of Pride parades to the intimacy of underground nightlife. These handcrafted experiences bring out India's colors as a beacon of queer expression and community.
Attend the massive Mumbai Pride march or the more intimate Pride events in smaller cities like Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh. Rainbow saris and sequined costumes abound at these celebrations of identity often attended by Bollywood celebrities. The energy is electric. Pride also brings serious solidarity, with attendees rallying to demand repealing remaining oppressive laws. Join queer locals marching for dignity. These empowering events highlight the momentum of equality despite challenges ahead.
LGBTQ travelers rave about the underground club scene in Mumbai and New Delhi. These hidden nightlife gems are sanctuaries where the community congregates without judgement. electro house pumps through the night as dancers lose themselves under swirling disco lights. Chat with locals and expat regulars at the bar to swap stories. Late nights take on a transcendent quality in these energetic spaces of acceptance. Right outside awaits a vastly different India.
For culture vultures, customized tours grant VIP access to exquisite sites like the erotic carvings of Khajuraho and royal frescoes with homoerotic motifs. Journey through millennia to worlds where sexuality was celebrated openly. Contrast these wonders with powerful contemporary works at the Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival or the arty QueerLit literature festival in Delhi. Immerse in India’s creative transformation.

Breaking Barriers: How this Company is Making India More Welcoming for LGBTQ Travelers - Leading by Example for the Region

India is poised to catalyze progress on LGBTQ equality across South Asia through the power of example. As former Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani stated, “The future of the world depends on the success of India.” The country’s sheer size gives it immense influence to shift regional attitudes. India’s incremental embrace of inclusivity inspires hope in neighboring countries still wrestling with institutionalized discrimination.

Nepal serves as a case in point. In 2007, the government undertook a groundbreaking initiative to officially recognize a third gender. This radical move came just a year after India achieved a milestone getting homosexuality removed from Nepal’s criminal code. While Nepal still has progress to make, this willingness to take the lead just ahead of India is telling. The more India advances, the more liberalization accelerates across the region.
Sri Lanka too mirrors Indian developments. In June 2022, its Cabinet approved an amendment prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, a first for the island nation. This watershed bill followed India banning LGBTQ workplace discrimination in 2017. No law alone guarantees equality, but it plants seeds to change mindsets over time.

Grassroots activists across South Asia closely track India’s journey to broader acceptance given its towering influence. As Mariyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s first openly queer athlete, told the BBC of India, “What happens there gives us so much hope.” Aurangzeb co-founded the country’s first LGBTQ sports league in 2018, soon after India’s monumental Section 377 repeal. Seeing a conservative giant like India move forward empowers changemakers fighting uphill battles in their own nations.
The impact extends across mediums. In Bangladesh, mainline directors found the courage to make the country’s first film about a gay couple in 2020 after India's growing embrace of queer storytelling. Art transforms culture. Online too, LGBTQ YouTubers and influencers in the region say India's digital creators give them confidence to amplify their voices.

Leading India tour operators understand their unique position to move the needle through shining a spotlight on achievements and positive representations. As MP Dunlea of Imbue Travel expresses, “Our tours celebrating diversity counter outsider perceptions of India as wholly repressive.” This exposure travels through their international clientele as a ripple effect. That Indian companies are owning the inclusivity agenda proactively further inspires regional peers.