Statement by misterb&b Regarding Anti-LGBTQ Laws in the USA

The essence of misterb&b is diversity and inclusion, and our mission is to allow LGBTQ travelers to explore the world and feel safe and welcome everywhere they go. We are proud to offer 1 million listings in 200 countries of the globe, however, we acknowledge that several countries impose or intend to impose laws and restrictions which do not always correspond to our values as an LGBTQ company.

misterb&b is committed to LGBTQ rights and safety, and we continue to monitor local and national country laws which have the capacity to impact our community. For misterb&b, it is of great concern what is currently unfolding in the United States concerning the implementation of significant anti-LGBTQ state legislation. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more anti-LGBTQ laws have been introduced in the United States in 2021 than in any previous year in American history, with an estimated 250+ Anti-LGBTQ bills being enacted into state legislation by national anti-LGBTQ groups this year alone.

States of concern include Alabama, Tennessee, Montana, and North and South Dakota, Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia, with many of the laws targeting the trans community in particular. Many of the already introduced laws prohibit trans athletes from participating in womens’ and girls’ sports, as well as banning gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth. Additional laws affect access to medical care and social and family services for transgender people, as well as parental rights, access to public facilities including restrooms, and a general marginalization of the community as a whole.

According to ILGA’s latest statistics regarding same-sex protections against discrimination across the globe, the USA racks lower than its neighbours of Canada, Mexico, and Cuba in terms of same-sex rights. At a national level, the USA only offers LGBTQ people protection in the employment sector as opposed to constitutional and broad protections found in the aforementioned countries.

As President of the Human Rights Campaign, Alphonso David, states:

“The rights of LGBTQ people — and especially transgender people — across the country are being systematically threatened and undermined by national anti-LGBTQ groups coordinating with anti-equality lawmakers to wage an unprecedented war on the LGBTQ community.”

misterb&b is committed to creating a more welcoming world for our community and beyond, and we will be taking a number of steps to address these concerning developments in the USA. The Human Rights Campaign has already enacted a Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation, which can be signed by business leaders who are dedicated to equal treatment, respect, and opportunity for all. misterb&b has already signed this charter, and we plan to reach out to local hosts and organizations in these affected states in order to determine appropriate grass-roots strategies to challenge the implementation of these laws. If you are a business owner, you too can sign the charter and make a change for the better. Should you be directly affected by these laws in your state, please do not hesitate to reach out to us concerning appropriate ways in which misterb&b can do its bit in repealing these unfair and draconian laws.

We will be updating this page accordingly, in order to provide essential information that can assist affected LGBTQ people. In the meantime, remember to stay proud, stay safe, and let’s continue the fight to experience a more welcoming world together.