Welcome anywhere

San Francisco – Airbnb is taking a stand against homophobia with its latest campaign Host with Pride.

• The ability to travel safely and free from prejudice is something that straight couples probably take for granted
• Airbnb’s motto, ‘Belong Anywhere’, extends to all genders and sexual orientations

Airbnb has released a heart-wrenching online advert that shows how love can come in many different guises and implores hosts to open up their doors to everyone.

In Love is Welcome Here, created in collaboration with Molecule, Airbnb invites couples to share the times when they have felt alienated or threatened while travelling.

As one woman in the film says: ‘Planning a honeymoon as a queer couple, we have to be really careful about where we go’ – a sentiment echoed throughout the video.

‘Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans couples often face discrimination when travelling abroad,’ a spokesperson for gay rights charity Stonewall tells LS:N Global. ‘In fact, it’s illegal to be gay in 75 countries and punishable by death in 10. All people, everywhere, should be accepted without exception and this documentary captures that perfectly.’

The Big Picture: Although Airbnb has limited influence on its hosts, it has decided to take a stand on behalf of its customers. Find out why your brand needs to find its voice with our Brandstanding microtrend.