Photo: Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company
Last month, travel professionals representing 49 countries converged in New York City for IGLTA’s Annual Convention, the premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism. The convention was the largest in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s 36-year history, with nearly 700 delegates. And though it was my first, it will most definitely not be my last.
Under the banner of “Unite: Travel-Learn-Connect” the convention was a packed few days of panel discussions, presentations, networking events and fantastic parties. Truly an opportunity to unite the LGBTQ+ travel community.
As the host city, New York made me proud! On the 50thanniversary of Stonewall and the year we welcome World Pride, the city where I’ve lived for twenty years showed the travel world why there’s no place like (my) home. Not only were the locations spectacular (the Pre-Conference reception was held at One World Observatory) but the programming reminded me that no other city can feature performers from the Broadway casts of Be More Chill, Mean Girls and Wicked at a rooftop party DJ’d by Lady Bunny…all like it’s no big deal. Literally every-thing about that previous sentence is a big deal. And IGLTA and NYC & Company brought it!
Photo: Rachel Covello/IGLTA
It was an opportunity to meet exciting new friends (did you know that the Lt. Governor of Guam, Joshua Tenorio, is the first openly gay Lt. Governor elected anywhere in the U.S. or its territories?) and connect with a new generation of travel media who I previously only knew by their Instagram handles.
But beyond the people and places, the convention was an opportunity to learn. I learned more about the experience of trans travelers and the importance of inclusive communication practices. I was inspired by the amazing work of Rainbow Railroad, the organization that helps persecuted members of our community escape violence and death in their home countries, where being LGBTQ+ is a criminal offence.
I emerged from the convention a little smarter, better connected and more energized to continue growing within the travel sphere. And with a rekindled love for my city, “Famous Original NYC!”
