Members of the LGBTQ+ community have been left confused and concerned by the Trump administration’s rollback of DEI initiatives and an executive order declaring that there are only two biological sexes and requiring U.S. passports to reflect individuals’ sex assigned at birth.
The LBGT Meeting Professionals Association has spoken out against these recent actions. “As meeting professionals, we hold a unique responsibility to create spaces where diversity thrives in designing and creating experiences reflecting our tapestry of human identities,” it said in a recent press release.
The following strategies will help you navigate the impact of these changes on your events.
Evaluate Locations Carefully
When choosing a destination, review the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, which ranks citiesbased on their efforts to support an inclusive environment (e.g. Do they institute inclusive hiring practices? What kind of anti-discrimination policies does their police force uphold?)
Do some research into the destinations that are actively supporting the LGBT MPA. Some locations that you may not immediately associate with progressive causes are making an effort to create a welcoming environment.
When drafting a contract with your chosen venue, add a clause that permits cancellation if anti-LGBTQ+ legislation comes into effect within the relevant region.
Vet Suppliers for DEI Policies
Stay up to date on companies that are walking back their DEI policies and create a supplier database of vendors and venues to work with that prioritize DEI. Your purchasing decisions have the power to influence social and regulatory change.
Support industry suppliers that are speaking out in support of DEI. Many DMOs, such as Destination DC, have listings of local minority-owned businesses that offer meeting services and suggestions for implementing DEI in events, and the LGBT MPA has a section on its website listing diverse suppliers.
Stay On Top of Guidelines for International Travelers
Several countries — Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands — have issued travel advisories for all LGBTQ+ citizens traveling to the U.S.
Create a Representative Group Within Your Organization
Create an advisory group to represent the LGBTQ+ community during the planning process. This will help to diffuse any sense of isolation and create a greater sense of agency and acceptance. Shared membership will also foster a bond between these attendees once they’re on site.
