The social media viral video, made in partnership with “issues driven” publisher ATTN, asks the question “What if…” and features a straight couple facing the sort of discrimination that LGBT couples often endure on holiday, such as being told to not to kiss in public and being treated as if they are work colleagues.
The two-minute video has been produced after a Virgin Holidays survey found that only 5% of LGBT couples were “at ease” when showing affection on holiday. This compares with 84% of straight couples who felt at ease showing affection.
The study also found that one-third of LGBT travellers have experienced discrimination on holiday with 58% of them being stared at, 35% being laughed at, and 29% being verbally abused.
Around 10% of LGBT holidaymakers have even been threatened with physical violence while on holiday, while two-thirds feel uncomfortable carrying out everyday holiday tasks such as applying sunscreen to their partner’s back.
One in four LGBT couples also said that they had been discriminated against by other British holidaymakers.
Joe Thompson, managing director of Virgin Holidays, said: “Holidays should be relaxing, fun and full of adventure. Unfortunately for LGBT people this still isn’t always the case.
“We want everyone to take on the world and that’s why we’re working with one of the biggest issues driven publishers to continue to raise awareness of the issues faced by LGBT travellers on holiday, and to work with our partners abroad, to give customers the best experience possible.”