Det bekymmersfria resandet: En studie om socialt ansvar och svenska researrangörers arbete för homo- och bisexuella personers mänskliga rättigheter i sina destinationsländer

Abstract

Globalisation is very much related to an increased mobility across the world. Since homosexuality or homosexual acts are criminalised in 75 countries and homophobia exists in all societies worldwide, this mobility is limited for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) travelers. Destinations for vacation or travel are chosen by the need of avoiding risks that heterosexual travelers wouldn´t face. This thesis examine how five Swedish tour operators work for LGB human rights within the framework of social responsibility and sustainability. By interviewing six representatives for those tour operators, it became clear that LGB rights are not prioritised in their sustainability agenda, however, no respondent objected to such work. Their understanding about the subject revealed how some elements, such as customers' lack of commitment and LGB friendly attitudes within the travel industry, effect such work. The aim of this study has been to examine how Swedish tour operators work for LGB rights in their destination countries, and to analyse the elements which promotes or obstruct such work. This has been done primarily by using Iris Marion Young's theories on social responsibility and global justice. The concept 'heteronormativity' and perspectives on global culture will be used to develop a more thorough understanding on the complex dynamics between tourism, LGB rights and global actors' social responsibility. The thesis demonstrates that tour operators are able to work for LGB rights in many ways, but lack encouragement to do so.