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Painting a rainbow of inclusion

The Hotel Hospitality Frontlines

By Hospitality SharesPublished 10 months ago 5 min read
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As I step into the grand lobby of the hotel I work at, the place is buzzing like a beehive. To my right, Sarah, our front desk agent, lights up the room with a smile that could give the morning sun a run for its money. Behind the scenes, our housekeeping staff pirouette through the corridors, their nimble movements keeping everything neat as a new pin. The kitchen, a theater of tantalizing aromas and harmonious sounds, orchestrates a daily culinary ballet. Our concierge service, a veritable Swiss Army knife of solutions, stands ready to tackle any challenge. Here, in our hotel, we're all about the magic of human connection. However, I'm not going to sugarcoat things - it's not always a bed of roses, particularly for our LGBT employees.

Our hotel team is a vibrant mosaic, an eclectic mix of characters, personalities, and backgrounds as varied and colorful as a bustling city street during a carnival. Within this intricate tapestry, our LGBT colleagues add their own unique strokes, their contributions as varied and essential as the notes that come together to form a harmonious symphony. Their dedication and hard work are integral threads in the fabric of our hotel's success.

But truth be told, their path isn't always smooth. It can be like trying to navigate a labyrinth in the dark, filled with unexpected turns and dead ends. From subtle, sidelong glances to barely concealed whispers, their journey towards acceptance is often a tightrope walk over a chasm of prejudice and bias. Challenges loom as large and daunting as towering skyscrapers, casting long shadows of doubt and uncertainty.

Yet, in the heart of these shadows, our hotel strives to be a beacon of acceptance and inclusion. Imagine a sanctuary where everyone's embraced for who they are, a place as diverse and accepting as a thriving ecosystem where every organism, regardless of its size or role, is cherished for its unique contributions. That's the vision we're pursuing. We believe that the spirit of hospitality extends beyond serving our guests - it permeates the very culture of our workplace, fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, feels valued and accepted.

Creating such a change is not a walk in the park, though. It's akin to steering a colossal ship through stormy seas - it demands time, patience, and unwavering commitment. But, as the old saying goes, 'Rome wasn't built in a day.' It's the small, consistent efforts that can bring about significant transformation. Our diversity training programs, our firm stance against discrimination, and our commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance are steps towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment.

As I walk down the corridors of our hotel, I'm reminded every day of the diversity that surrounds me. I see faces that reflect an array of backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles, each one a vital part of our hotel's story. It's a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusion, and it fuels my commitment to fostering a workplace that cherishes these values.

Hospitality, at its core, is about acceptance and understanding. It's about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and at home. As I continue on my journey in the hotel hospitality industry, I'm committed to playing my part in this grand endeavor. The path towards inclusion may feel like a marathon, but with each stride we take, we're making progress. We're creating a world that is not just more inclusive within our hotel, but everywhere.

So let's keep moving forward, one step at a time. Let's remember that love is love, and everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love, deserves to be part of the magic that makes up the hotel hospitality industry. Let's keep striving to ensure that every color in the human spectrum is allowed to shine brightly, from the boldest reds to the deepest blues, and all the hues in between.

There's a phrase I've always held close to my heart - "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." Our hotel is a testament to that. Every individual, no matter their role, contributes to the symphony that is our hotel's operation. And when everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, the music we create together is nothing short of extraordinary.

In our pursuit of diversity and inclusion, we've learned that it's not just about policies and training programs, although they are crucial. It's about fostering an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, where every individual feels safe to be themselves. It's about understanding and embracing the fact that our differences are what make us stronger, richer, and more vibrant.

So, as I go about my day in our hotel, welcoming guests, solving problems, and working alongside a diverse team of dedicated professionals, I am reminded of the importance of our mission. I am reminded of the power of inclusion, the beauty of diversity, and the potential we have to make a real difference. I am reminded that, in our hotel, we're not just providing a service. We're building a community, a family - one that embraces and celebrates all of its members, without exception.

And that, my friends, is the true beauty of the hotel hospitality industry. It's not just about luxurious rooms, exquisite meals, or impeccable service - although we certainly strive for all of those. At its heart, it's about people. It's about creating a place where everyone, from our guests to our staff, feels welcome, valued, and at home.

So here's to us, to our journey, and to the road ahead. Here's to the hotel hospitality industry, a world where diversity isn't just a buzzword, but a way of life. Here's to our collective efforts to create a more inclusive and accepting world. Because at the end of the day, love is love, and everyone, no matter who they are or whom they love, has a place here with us.

Hospitality Shares

Pride Month
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Hospitality Shares

Welcome to our vibrant online community for Hotel Employees! This is a place where you can share your incredible stories, both heartwarming and challenging, about your experiences in the hospitality industry.

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