Gender diversity has become increasingly accepted across different societies and cultures around the world.
There is still a significant gap between the level of acceptance of gender-diverse guests in various social settings. One such setting where this disparity can be observed is hospitality services. Hospitality establishments, whether they are hotels, restaurants, bars, or any other place that caters to customers for leisure or business, often have strict rules regarding acceptable behavior. These rules govern how guests interact with staff members and each other during their stay. Unfortunately, many of these codes of conduct fail to acknowledge the needs and preferences of gender-diverse individuals. In this article, I will explore how cultural understandings of hospitality influence the acceptance of gender-diverse guests.
The definition of what constitutes as "appropriate" hospitality varies widely from culture to culture.
In some cultures, it is considered polite to greet guests with kisses on the cheek while in others, handshakes may be more appropriate. Similarly, when it comes to addressing guests by name, some cultures may find it rude to do so while others consider it impolite not to use their names. The same applies to how sexuality is expressed in public spaces; some cultures may tolerate flirting while others may view it as indecent. As such, cultural understandings of hospitality influence how gender-diverse guests are treated in different places.
When it comes to accommodating gender-diverse guests, there are several factors that play a role in the reception they receive. Firstly, cultural attitudes towards gender diversity vary greatly across societies. While some cultures are more accepting of transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, others may see them as deviant or unnatural. This can lead to discrimination against these groups within the hospitality industry, where they may face difficulties finding suitable lodging or dining options. Secondly, hospitality establishments often have strict policies regarding acceptable behavior. These policies may include dress codes, restrictions on physical contact, and rules about who can share a room together. Such policies fail to take into account the needs of gender-diverse guests who may require extra consideration.
The availability of safe spaces for gender-diverse individuals within society also affects how they are received in hospitality settings. In societies where homophobia and transphobia are prevalent, even those with well-meaning intentions may struggle to welcome guests from these communities adequately due to lack of awareness or training.
Cultural differences in understanding hospitality play a significant role in determining how gender-diverse guests are received in various social settings. To create an inclusive environment for all types of guests, hospitals should be proactive in educating their staff about LGBTQIA+ issues and provide ample resources to help them understand the nuances of different identities.
Policymakers need to prioritize legislation that protects the rights of gender-diverse individuals and promotes equality in public spaces. By taking these steps, we can work towards creating a world where everyone feels welcomed and respected when traveling abroad.
How do cultural understandings of hospitality affect acceptance of gender-diverse guests?
Cultural understandings of hospitality often emphasize traditional gender roles and expectations, which may lead to discrimination against individuals who do not conform to these norms, such as transgender or nonbinary people. As a result, they may face challenges when interacting with hosts or other guests, including being misgendered, excluded from activities, or experiencing verbal or physical harassment.