Dr Wenjie Cai of the University of Greenwich, co-author of the paper, says of his findings: ‘A lot of negative emotions were appearance-related, in particular, associated with the fact that they might appear as “strange” or “not normal” when travelling.
'Transgender tourists, in particular, are concerned about a potential hate crime when they are on holidays. Going through airport security and immigration, wearing makeup, and going to the toilets, these regular activities are considered extremely stressful for transgender tourists.’
Participants in the research also shared their unpleasant experiences in the heteronormative holiday space. Many are about physical and verbal discrimination and harassment by locals, other tourists and occasionally, local authorities. Participants feel particularly threatened by single, heterosexual men, particularly in groups, and if they are loud or drunk. These perceptions toward straight men and their view on heteronormativity while travelling are largely determined by past negative interpersonal experiences and reflections.
Dr Philipp Wassler, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Bournemouth, said: 'Measures should be taken to protect LGBT tourists’ mental and physical health from major risk factors. We need to constantly question the heteronormative behaviour, perceptions, and values and co-create a more inclusive, welcoming, and stress-free host community for LGBT travellers.’
Roberto Usai from the Department of People and Organisations at Bournemouth, added: ‘We urge a transformation of the traditional LGBT tour operators and gay-friendly haven, which are often seen as too sexualised by the community. By offering wider activities and services, these LGBT operators and queer space not only functions as a vehicle of change to transform the relationship between LGBT tourists and others (other straight tourists and locals), but also provide a safer and better experience for LGBT tourists.’
The full paper can be read here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0047287520967763
