Statement by misterb&b

Anti-LGBTQ States Legislation 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 around the globe. However, we acknowledge that several countries impose or intend to impose laws and restrictions that 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 that can impact our community. For misterb&b, what is currently unfolding in the United States concerning the implementation of significant anti-LGBTQ state legislation is of great concern.

A record number of anti-LGBTQ and anti-Trans bills

According to the Human Rights Campaign, more anti-LGBTQ bills 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 anti-LGBTQ groups this year alone. States of concern include Alabama, Tennessee, Montana, 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 women's 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, parental rights, access to public facilities, including restrooms, and a general marginalization of the community.

According to ILGA's latest statistics regarding same-sex protections against discrimination across the globe, the USA racks lower than its neighbors of Canada, Mexico, and Cuba regarding same-sex rights. At a national level, the USA only offers LGBTQ people protection in the employment sector instead of the constitutional and broad protections found in the abovementioned 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." 

What can misterb&b do?

By collecting Sales Taxes in many of these states, we contribute directly to funding these discriminatory policies. As tax contributors, we, therefore, have a moral, ethical, and civic responsibility to defend the values we believe in. We are committed to creating a more welcoming world for our community and beyond, and we will be taking several steps to address these concerning developments in the USA.

The first step is to speak up and condemn these dangerous attacks against LGBTQ individuals, particularly transgender and non-binary people. We will continue to use our influence to advocate for policies that establish full equality at the federal and state levels. This includes the passage of the Equality Act in the Senate.

Another step is joining the Freedom for All Americans' Small Businesses Against Discrimination coalition. Like 1,200+ other small business leaders from all 50 US states and Puerto Rico and industries ranging from agriculture to construction to hospitality, we are dedicated to equal treatment, respect, and opportunity for all. We stand together to oppose discrimination and to support comprehensive non-discrimination laws that protect all Americans, including LGBTQ people. That's why we have signed the Small Businesses Against LGBTQ Discrimination Pledge: 

"Small business leaders know that being open to the public means being open to everyone. Inclusion and diversity are critical to a thriving economy and dynamic workforce. Small business leaders across the country affirm the need for comprehensive nondiscrimination that prohibits unequal treatment against LGBTQ people and oppose all efforts to undermine or exempt businesses from the inclusive policies that benefit our businesses and our communities."

What can you do?

There are many available action points:

• One of the easiest ways is to add your name to the conversation and tell State legislators that they should stop attacking the transgender community and that we can't and won't tolerate any more bullying and discrimination. Check the HRC campaign here
• Contact your state's LGBTQ advocacy group(s) (Equality Federation, Human Rights Campaign, or ACLU, for instance). They are already on the front lines and will tell you how you can help (speaking during state House or Senate debates, contacting local representatives, putting pressure on governors, using your social media, etc).
• Of course, you can donate to these organizations and any other LGBTQ organization.
• If you're a small business owner, you can, too, sign the Small Businesses Against Discrimination pledge and make a change for the better. 

Should you be directly affected by these laws in your state, please do not hesitate to contact us about how misterb&b can help repeal these unfair bills.

We will update this page accordingly 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.