Why Virgin Atlantic is betting on LGBT+

Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays have just launched « Free to Be Me » – an initiative designed to make holidays more inclusive for LGBTQ+ travelers through trained LGBTQ+ vacation planning experts, informative destination guides, and Pride-certified hotels.

New research comparing the vacation experience of LGBTQ+ and heterosexual couples demonstrates the need for initiatives such as Free to Be Me, as the LGBTQ+ community faces challenges such as discrimination and the ability to be themselves:

Only 15 % of LGBTQ+ couples feel comfortable showing affection on vacation, compared to 84 % of heterosexual couples;

Seven out of ten couples reduce their public displays of affection abroad due to safety concerns, local laws, or fear of judgment, compared to two out of ten heterosexual couples, who do so for privacy reasons rather than fear.

Discrimination abroad is twice as common for LGBTQ+ couples.

Half of LGBTQ+ couples have had their relationship status questioned while traveling as a couple, compared to only 11% of heterosexual couples.