Youth operator Topdeck has begun its journey towards diversity and inclusion with the launch of new policies to support its LGBTQIA+ guests.
During the booking process, Topdeck travellers can now select the non-binary ‘X’ as their passport gender and are welcome to offer any further information around how they self-identify.
In addition, mixed-room options are now on offer, allowing travellers to share their space with anyone regardless of gender or identity, whether they are in a couple or not.
All of Topdeck’s suppliers are able to allocate private contracted rooms and the brand does not currently operate in any country where its inclusivity policy and rooming changes would break any laws.
“Regardless of how they identify, their gender or interests, we want every customer to feel comfortable on our trips and through the entire booking process as well, whether that’s from the first point they see our marketing through to being on the road,” Topdeck Travel General Manager APAC told travelBulletin.
The idea to launch the new policies stemmed from Topdeck’s younger staff members, who presented the idea to the leadership team, who eventually ran in-depth focus groups with young travellers, trip leaders and team members.
In addition, LGBTQIA+ youth organisation Minus18 was brought in to provide training and education for Topdeck’s teams, trip leaders and drivers, so they are all aware of the policies, terminology and how to engage with travellers in a respectful and inclusive manner.
“I think for some people in our business, it’s been like second nature, and for others, it’s been a learning process. Everyone wants to do the right thing, and it’s about ensuring that if you make a mistake, just acknowledge it and move on,” reflected Fawcett.
While some may be concerned about accidentally using the wrong pronouns, Fawcett said that in her experience as an ally and travel professional, the key is to simply be open and understanding.
“It’s not about necessarily treating queer customers differently. It’s the same situation you would have if you were talking to any customer. What do they want? What do they need? How do they want to travel? Get to the core of who they are and what they need, and you’ll be able to find the right product,” she said.
Feedback so far since the launch of the policies has been fairly positive on social media, although unfortunately, the Topdeck team has had to manage a few trolls along the way.
“If you don’t want to travel with us because that is offensive to you, then that’s fine,” Fawcett said. “We don’t need to have you on our trips, because we want to have an inclusive space for everyone.”
For queer content creator Sam Limmage-Werner, who travelled with Topdeck to Turkey last year, it is important that he travels with a company that supports LGTQIA+ rights.
“It adds a layer of protection, so I feel safer,” he said.
“Our trip leader made everyone feel totally at ease. We felt we could ask him anything, including religion and politics within Turkey, and we would get an unbiased answer.”
“Although Turkey’s attitude to our community needs a lot of improvement, I felt safe over the whole trip, both on shore and at sea. I also felt like I could act like myself without having to change any behaviour.”
While a lot of work has gone into the launch of these new initiatives and training, Topdeck is just getting started on its work in DEI, said Fawcett.
“We want to make sure we did it right, both morally and ethically, and that it isn’t just rainbow washing,” she noted.
“For us, it is a continuous journey. We are literally just dipping our toes in.”
“We need to continue to evolve and to change along with our customers.”
