How my family shaped my view of love & acceptance 🌈

I am incredibly lucky to come from a very accepting family, but that acceptance did not come easily.

I grew up in a home where love had already crossed big social “lines”.

My dad comes from a Muslim family and my mom from a very religious Hindu one. Their relationship was not always easy or accepted. They faced objections, pressure and a lot of judgment for choosing each other after meeting as teenagers at University.

Family members cut ties with them, including my grandparents on my mom's side. But over time, love did what love does best. They rebuilt those bridges and created a family life that blends both cultures. What I took from their story is not the drama, but the lesson: that love is worth fighting for and that acceptance is a choice people have to actively make.

Because they had been through that, they were determined that I would never have to fight to be myself.

I have been able to openly love people of different genders, religions and ethnicities without hiding. I realise that that kind of unconditional support is a privilege and I am very aware that many LGBTQ+ people, especially in our wider South Asian and global communities, still do not have that safety at home, let alone when they travel.

That awareness is at the heart of how I look after my clients. 💛

Why we still need Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

Some people now think: “Things are better now, do we still need Pride?” The answer, for me, is absolutely yes.

We still need Pride because:

🌍 In many countries, LGBTQ+ identities are still criminalised. Travel for queer people can be complicated and sometimes risky, depending on the destination.

⚖️ Legal rights are not the same as lived safety. Even in “friendly” destinations, hate crimes and discrimination still happen.

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and non-binary people are facing increasing hostility. From bathroom bans to healthcare restrictions, trans and gender-diverse travellers often carry extra layers of fear and admin.

🏠 Not everyone can be out at home. For some, travel is the one time they can breathe and explore their identity. For others, it is when they feel most exposed.

🔄 Progress is not a straight line. Rights can move backwards. Pride keeps stories visible and communities connected.

Pride Month is a chance to celebrate joy and resilience, but also to recommit to creating safer spaces, including in how we design and experience travel.

What LGBTQ+ inclusive travel means to me ✈️

For me, LGBTQ+ inclusive travel is not just about rainbow flags in June. It is about the whole journey:

• Before you go:
• 🗣️ Having honest conversations about laws, local attitudes and what everyday life is like for queer people in your chosen destination.
• 🤝 Thinking through things like: Is it safe to share a bed openly? How are same-sex couples treated? What is the reality for trans travellers at airports or hotel check-in?
• During planning:
• 🏨 Choosing accommodation and experiences that genuinely welcome LGBTQ+ guests, not just “tolerate” them.
• 📝 Making sure notes and requests reflect your names, pronouns and relationship correctly, so you do not have to keep explaining yourselves.
• While you are away:
• 💬 Giving you enough information to make your own choices about displays of affection, clothing and social media, without ever telling you to “tone it down” or be less yourself.
• 🧭 Building in safer options if you want to visit destinations with mixed attitudes, like staying in certain neighbourhoods or focusing on certain types of experiences.

My role is to remove as much of the emotional labour as possible. If you are LGBTQ+, you are already used to assessing risk in daily life. When you travel with me, I take on that homework so your trip can feel more like a genuine break.

Who I am here for 🤗

I welcome a wide spectrum of LGBTQ+ travellers, including:

• 💕 Same-sex couples planning romantic getaways, proposals or honeymoons
• 🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and non-binary travellers who want their identity to be respected, not questioned
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Queer families with kids, who need family-friendly AND queer-friendly
• 🌍 Solo travellers who want to connect with community abroad, or simply feel safe exploring on their own
• 🌈 People who are still figuring out their labels and just want a non-judgmental space to talk about what would make them feel comfortable

Whoever you are and however you identify, my starting point is always: you are valid, and your desire to see the world is valid too.

Community & advocacy: LGBTQ+ work behind the scenes 💬

Inside Travel Counsellors, I am part of the LGBTQ+ affinity group. It is a space where we share knowledge, challenge each other to do better, and make sure queer travellers’ needs are part of the conversation, not an afterthought.

I also co-founded Voyage-Her with fellow TC Megan O’Leary. Voyage-Her was created to empower LGBTQ+ travellers, especially women and gender-diverse people, to travel with confidence. For us, that means:

• 🛡️ Putting safety and inclusivity at the centre of every itinerary
• 📍 Highlighting destinations, hotels and experiences that actively welcome queer guests
• 🧡 Creating space for honest conversations about identity & safety

It is about building community, not just holidays.

What you can expect when you book with me 🌟

If you are LGBTQ+ and considering working with me, here is what that actually looks like in practice:

• 🎚️ You set the tone. You can share as much or as little as you like about your identity, relationship structure or transition journey. I will meet you where you are.
• ❓ No question is “awkward”. Want to know if you can safely book a double bed? Ask. Worried about airport security as a trans person? Let us talk it through.
• 🧭 I will be honest, not alarmist. If somewhere is likely to be stressful or unsafe, I will say so and offer alternatives. The goal is not to scare you, but to empower you.
• ✨ Your trip is about joy, not just survival. Safety is the baseline. On top of that, we will also talk about what lights you up: food, culture, nightlife, nature, connection.

Pride, travel & my promise 💖

Pride Month reminds me that I carry both privilege and responsibility. I have the privilege of being loved and accepted at home, and of working within a company that supports LGBTQ+ inclusion. With that comes the responsibility to use my voice and my skills to make travel safer and more affirming for the community.

So here is my promise:

I will keep learning, keep listening, and keep advocating for travel spaces where LGBTQ+ people are not just allowed, but welcomed. Where you can hold hands without scanning the room, introduce your partner without filtering and create memories that feel fully authentic.

If you are dreaming of a trip where you can show up exactly as you are, I would love to help you bring it to life.

💌 Message me to start planning your next adventure, with Pride in every step of the journey.

✉️ suvira.riza@travelcounsellors.com

📱 ‪+44 121 838 9969

Love, 

Suvi x