Anti-LGBTQ policies in the U.S. are continuing to harm the tourism industry, particularly for transgender travelers. As these policies persist, many in the transgender community feel unsafe and unwelcome, leading to a decline in travel and a direct impact on tourism revenues.
One of the most striking examples of this effect is the controversial passport policy introduced during the Trump administration, which has led to invasive questioning at airports for transgender travelers. A common sentiment shared by many is: “We deserve to have the freedom to move around the world and not have who we are being questioned.” These policies have led to increasing concerns that transgender individuals’ identities will be disrespected or questioned when traveling.
The Impact on Transgender Travelers
A 2024 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA revealed that nearly a third of transgender individuals have traveled less frequently since the 2024 U.S. election. Additionally, 70% of respondents indicated that they are less likely to vacation in states they perceive as less trans-friendly. This shift in travel patterns underscores a growing sense of insecurity for transgender individuals when visiting areas with limited legal protections for them.
John Tanzella, president of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, pointed out the growing concern over safety among queer travelers. “Safety is a top concern for queer travelers, and this market will reach nearly $600 billion in the U.S. alone by 2030,” Tanzella said. This highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety of LGBTQ+ travelers, especially within the transgender community, who are particularly vulnerable to discriminatory practices.
The Economic Importance of LGBTQ+ Tourism
LGBTQ+ tourism represents a significant portion of the global travel market. Cities like Washington, D.C., have made considerable efforts to attract LGBTQ+ travelers as part of their tourism strategy. Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination D.C., emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity, with 14% of D.C. residents identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
However, international visitors, particularly from the transgender community, have expressed hesitancy to travel to the U.S. due to concerns over safety, access, and visa restrictions. “The overwhelming question is about safety and access. ‘Will we be able to get a visa to come into the country?’” Ferguson explained. These concerns are heightened by current government policies that transgender individuals fear may lead to their identities being invalidated or overlooked.
Transgender Experiences in Travel
The difficulties faced by transgender travelers are exemplified by the experience of Ash Lazarus Orr, who struggled to get his passport updated to reflect his true gender identity. Orr was subjected to invasive questioning at the airport due to mismatched documents, almost causing him to miss his flight. “We deserve to have the freedom to move around the world and not have who we are being questioned,” Orr said.
The U.S. State Department’s refusal to allow transgender individuals to update their passports to reflect their gender identity has made travel even more difficult for many. Orr’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges transgender people face when traveling.
Orr is now part of a class action lawsuit filed by the ACLU against the Trump administration, asserting that this policy violates the rights of transgender individuals. (ACLU Source)
Looking Forward
The challenges faced by transgender travelers go beyond personal safety and are deeply linked to broader issues of LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the tourism sector. As the travel industry continues to recover from the impact of anti-LGBTQ policies, it’s clear that discriminatory practices will continue to harm the tourism economy.
At Queer Destinations, we believe that creating inclusive, safe environments for LGBTQ+ travelers — including transgender individuals — is critical to unlocking the economic potential of this growing and influential segment of the global tourism market. By fostering safer, more welcoming spaces, the tourism industry can tap into an enormous market and build a stronger, more diverse economy.
Policymakers, businesses, and destinations must focus on safety, respect, and inclusivity to ensure that LGBTQ+ travelers feel welcomed and empowered to explore the world. Prioritizing these values is key to a thriving tourism industry for all.
