AirBnB accounts hacked..............

As news spread internationally that AirBnB account holders in the North America and as far as Europe have had their profiles compromised by hackers there was no jitters at first. Since then it has been confirmed by email after I inquired, reports had surfaced that American customers have found their profiles compromised, they have also notified the codenamed ‘Pink Crab’ outfit for LGBT guests located in Portland in order to either delete the original one or simply set up new profiles and reengage, the verification process for current and newly approaching clients or inquiries is crucial so as not to have the ‘wrong crowd’.

Access to the verification badges of users is also troubling and why oh why was not a two or three step verification system in place. The ‘Pink Crab’ was originally a private outfit that relied on word of mouth between prior or repeat guests who spread the word even as they do cater to non LGBT clientele. The place hosted as well workshops often times with very higher than market prices; a criticism I have had of them after DJing there at a LGBTQ event almost fifteen years ago and two times since and hosting a book fair when I was more active in the book industry. I also have witnessed one re-commitment ceremony there when a lesbian couple who resided in New York wanted to do so back home very privately. The staff was a bit taken aback at the time as they never saw the sealing of vows by a same gender couple but have seen parties and so on.

Management says they want to keep the arrangement ultra private similarly to the Bubbles Bar even as stiff competition, slowly developing job markets in the US and fickle Canadian visitors’ numbers and refugee crisis intertwined with European economic challenges abound. Many ‘secret’ spaces have to be as in this case at the Crab literally and metaphorically crawl out of the sand hole more openly whilst engage disruptive technologies change traditions almost overnight. Other previously unknown guest houses have been getting bolder and clearly state via AirBnB that they accept LGBT guests and offer a secure environment by way of security companies for guests, much larger hotels are popping up all over the place which only adds more competition to smaller properties. A chaperone may be assigned (subject to the option if selected in booking) or armed guided tours are conducted as well. Some are concerned that if such hackings are not properly addressed by AirBnB soon trust might be lost, the entity seems to be moving slow on the hacking and based on their Facebook page the complaints were already coming in for some time now. 

Airbnb today announced a new set of mandatory security measures, including multi-factor authentication, it’s implementing to prevent account takeovers. Now, for the first time, Airbnb will require both hosts and guests logging in from new devices to verify their identity with a second account, either via SMS or email. A vast majority of other social and communication apps use multi-factor 

authentication, including Facebook, Google, and Twitter, making Airbnb a bit of an outlier to have gone so long before enabling it by default.

AIRBNB IS LATE TO THE MULTI-FACTOR PARTY say some lol

meanwhile:

Nate Blecharczyk

Chief Strategy Officer / co-founder 

said among other things that, Trust is the fundamental currency of the sharing economy — it’s at the very heart of our Airbnb community. As our global community continues to grow, we remain vigilant of the ways bad actors are looking to take advantage of this trust. Online scammers in particular are constantly adapting and refining their attacks.

One fraudulent tactic that is receiving increased attention is called an account takeover, or ATO for short. I want to take some time to explain to you how seriously we take this threat and to explain what we are doing here at Airbnb to confront it.

An ATO occurs when a bad actor gets access to a user’s account by stealing their password, usually through one of the following methods:

Password dumps. You’ve probably heard about high-profile security breaches of personal information at a number of different companies over the last few years. When these breaches occur, bad actors often download massive lists of usernames and passwords that they sell on the black market. Scammers then use the usernames and passwords they’ve purchased to see if they are a match for any number of other accounts, as many people tend to use the same password across platforms. Thus, this could in turn put your Airbnb account information at risk, despite the fact that our platform was not compromised.

Phishing. Bad actors will email or SMS you a link that asks you to enter your account credentials into a website that looks like one you know and use — but is actually malicious. They then record the information you provide and can use it to access your account.

Malware. If your computer is compromised by malicious software, it can capture your keystrokes and record your usernames and passwords. Once a bad actor has collected your password this way, they can maliciously access your account.

Historically, we’ve defended against account takeovers by using a machine learning model that predicts the probability that each login or action on Airbnb is being performed by the true account owner. If the model predicts a high risk that the account has been taken over, we would require the user to provide an additional confirmation.

The model is trained by observing hundreds of millions of historical login events that have been labeled as “good” or “bad”. The model then evaluates hundreds of signals simultaneously to determine the risk level, looking for various patterns such as:

Login from an unexpected country

Login from an unexpected IP address, computer, or phone

An unexpectedly high number of logins from a particular IP address

Our model is effective at stopping most account takeovers, but unfortunately there have been some incidents where hosts and guests have suffered. This is not acceptable to us, therefore we’re working around the clock to do everything we can to improve our detection and prevention methods. While the machine learning approach is common for online platforms, the nature of Airbnb’s product and the critical importance of trust within and among our community requires an even higher bar for security.

Effective today, we have launched new defenses to further prevent bad actors from taking over an Airbnb account, including:

Multi-factor authentication. We’re requiring additional verification whenever a user logs in from a new device, such as a computer, phone, or tablet — as is often the case for other services such as online banking. When you sign up for Airbnb, we’ll remember the device you used and allow you to log in from that device, as long as you have the password. Any new device you use, however, will require an additional verification even if you have the password. This defense is typically referred to as multi-factor authentication. We’ll confirm that you are the true account owner by sending a one-time unique confirmation code to your account phone number or email. Once you’ve entered that code on our site through your new device, you won’t have to do it again on that machine.

Improving account alerts. We’ve added SMS in addition to email to the ways in which we alert you, as well as expanded the range of changes we’ll proactively notify you about. We do this in order to let you know these changes have taken place — and so that you can take action to recover your account in the event you were not the one who made those changes.

Fortunately, the vast majority of our hosts and guests never have to deal with account takeovers or any other scam. While the enhancements we’re announcing today will add yet another layer of security to our users’ accounts, we always want our community to continue to be vigilant and exercise good security practices. We outline some recommended practices around strong passwords, safe payments and other measures on our site here.

The company says that one of the most common security breaches suffers is when a scammer or other bad actor takes control of someone’s account by obtaining the password. Normally, this would mean access to someone’s email or the ability to purchase stuff on their behalf. But in the case of Airbnb, it could mean giving a stranger access to private details about your home and the ability to rent it out to others. That arguably raises the stakes when it comes to account security.

Airbnb says it already uses predictive models, trained using machine learning techniques, that look for uncharacteristic behavior to flag. For instance, if the account is seeing an abnormal number of login attempts or a login from a foreign country, Airbnb’s system might ask for an additional confirmation that the person logged in is truly the host. Unfortunately, the company says this isn’t enough and both guests and hosts have suffered lost funds and fraudulent bookings as a result.

It is becoming all too easy these days to hack unto sites or phones and with the AirBnB business model allowing profiles to be more open even as persons are using fake or unverified identity photos, one impacted individual an American said the hacker had a photo of Bruce Willis when it was abundantly clear is was not the celebrity. 

The ability to change one’s personal information on the platform has also come into question, when a user over twenty hours can switch names, upload photos and or location is still too close a period for someone who is supposed to be an honest client. With allegations of an active hacking community in Russia for example especially before and after the United States elections has only sought to raise speculations that the hack is Russian based.

Media reports carried the discovery of the hacking:

Airbnb is improving the security of its app and website after a BBC investigation found people’s homes had been burgled by scammers using stolen accounts.

The BBC spoke to three people who were targeted after they advertised their properties on the accommodation-booking service.

The scammers hijacked accounts with verified badges and changed some of personal details to pull off the thefts.

Airbnb said it had already been working on the changes – which include sending text warnings if profiles are altered – when the crimes were brought to its attention.

"Unfortunately there have been some incidents where hosts and guests have suffered," said Nate Blecharczyk, co-founder of Airbnb.

"This is not acceptable to us, therefore we’re working around the clock to do everything we can to improve our detection and prevention methods."

The Bubbles Bar outfit in south west Jamaica has not been impacted as the client is wide enough to carry word of mouth via social media platforms albeit in private groups but they still do engage via AirBnB. Many US interests are searching for smaller residencies as the newer millennials with disposable incomes while doing the five star properties also want a more earthy experience on the ground while having the basics such as internet access and other meeting or mini-conference space. Bubbles bar after some convincing hosted a webinar which went pretty well, the boss does not like working in the day for the most part. There is a rumour as well that an all female guest house as well in eastern Jamaica that occasionally host lymes and such with a tightly knit crew and they occasionally engage AirBnB as well while repeatedly using a new name at every cycle.

Keeping my fingers crossed I hope that AirBnB can strengthen their security since they are the trusted outfits; newer rivals are not there yet. Given the ease of hacking it is incumbent for the ABnB folks to be far more stronger on the security front.

Peace & tolerance

H

LGBT Birth Tourism too far-fetched an idea for Jamaica?

I am still a little befuddled at the fact that Jamaica is still seemingly reluctant or afraid to diversify the already successful tourism product. The matter came up for mention this morning on radio. Given the recent introduction and active business of AirB&B catering to middle class vacationers who cannot afford five star hotels and that traveller who is seeking a more earthy real world exploration it has helped in the sub categories of LGBT visitors as well who like the rustic charm & scenery away from the inclusive concrete jungles that a mere marble and artificial beauty with some flora and fauna. Jamaica does facilitate birth tourism but obviously for heterosexual couples. We must not leave out the fact that gay marriage is a done deal by way of the US SCOTUS in that historic judgement. The smaller guest houses or homes linked to AirB&B model are all over the place and have been doing pretty well as some 1,500 properties or more have qualified and are actively accommodating persons. The pink dollar component of it though somehow we as a country have not capitalized on even in the face of pre-US embargo pressure on Cuba the island was doing relatively well in the LGBT guest department. Of course with the visibility and intervention of the daughter of the late Fidel Castro, Mariela that has helped greatly in attracting support and visitors.

Cuba’s national awareness programs on sexual health also includes LGBT matters so the population being so exposed does have the kinds of caustic homophobia when compared to ours with sometimes disastrous outcomes. They still do have the occasional slip up but that problem won’t disappear altogether. Now that the embargo has been lifted there is almost a flood of persons overall but includes savvy and monied LGBT persons including newly minted married couples who seek the destination for their honeymoon and I have since gathered birth tourism where couples either by insemination or surrogate arrangements either way i.e. male couples who use their sperm with a paid female carrier go to other countries from the US; as for US citizenship the child’s citizenship is dual if the family allows it or as for future educational opportunities prudent planning is crucial. Trouble is if one is from outside the US going to that destination to have the baby must have strong financial backing and insurance coverage not from the country of origin. However in reverse let’s say in Jamaica where a US or Canadian or British couple gets here the private hospitals is what they have to contend with and some insurance would have been included in the ticket purchase and so on.

Another drawback for US couples in particular especially heterosexual and lesbian couples where one of the lesbians will be the ‘mother’ is that unlike our three month maternity leave automatically granted to women not all US states offer such extended leave; some only give a month which may not be enough time to have the baby do relatively well before time of travel. Canada has a similar arrangement I gather but if mothers-to-be entered into contractual arrangements the there may be implications. Some prudent planning has to come into play I imagine. 

Also other health reasons can come into play such as is the expectant person can travel or is deemed fit by a doctor so to do?; especially if there is a requirement for multiple trimester visits in the desired destination. With stability and state recognition in LGBTQ family life with sometimes a disturbing feeling of homo-assimilation couples want children or are going about it the original route of adoptions. With proven stem cell research and birth methods guided by strict codes of conduct since the mid 2000s, surrogacy maybe a thing of the past in years to come as couples can create eggs and sperm from said stem cells thus having their own DNA in that newborn.

also see: Sexual Reproduction for Same Sex Couples? 2010

Possible spin-offs

A newly pregnant or new baby couple may need bedside attention outside of the private hospital care, and after discharge from the facility may need some help and guidance navigating local cultural considerations such as diet, climate management and or a security detail if necessary; all of whom can earn from providing those side services.

Homophobia doesn’t impede the destination

Despite Jamaica’s homophobia the island is somehow still loved a every year the figures look impressive, recent cruise ships stop-over to the point of lack of space for porting is visible evidence of that. Despite attempted tourism boycotts such as the major one in 2008 and the Red Stripe Beer dump in protest which drew major attention visitors still come for the flora and even commitment ceremonies and civil appearing weddings. Apart from a few of the big players that accommodate LGBT guests and host private events such as raves (Bloom events hosted by a Jamaican living in NY), beach parties and such there are other mid priced villas that also cater to such markets. A recent clothing option event was held at property in St. Ann. Visitors are willing to spend on security as I have seen over my 21 years in LGBT event planning and DJing. Investment though is not so readily available for persons such as myself who may want to expand to a LGBT specific venue and accommodation to hosts such guests thus capitalizing on the pink dollar.

Far-fetched?

Definitely not but the lack of forward thinking in both the business community, elites, LGBT NGOs and government is still a challenge; as the visits and privacy attached to same is already happening but one of the challenges is that visitors are used to public displays of affection in their own countries and sometimes to ask guests to suppress their ODA might be a little challenging. 

A year 2000 case comes to mind where a Caucasian male couple in Ocho Rios by what is now Pineapple Place or thereabouts after they inadvertently appeared to be too affectionate to each other, were spared a thrashing by visibly upset mostly males who left the shaken men with a strong warning to not show ‘it’ up; I guess they were not about to interfere with the visitors seeing they were foreigners and they would have left soon afterwards. The outrage that flowed when the story made the tabloid however was another matter as the usual ‘thrown in our faces’ abhorrence was the main homophobic driver at the time. I would like to see more natives getting involved in this pink dollar tourism arrangement specific to LGBT guests, no offence to our expatriate friends please as there are a couple already utilizing the AirB&B model after they came to Jamaica and invested in property and linking to influential gay tourism books such as the Spartacus, problem is some of these AirBnB outfits seem not to want to cross fertilize by having natives also as guests, something that needs addressing. The last time that Jamaica had a listing of LGBT outfits before recent times was when the co-founder of the now closed Club Entourage Brian Williamson managed to get the New Kingston business district venue on there; it attracted the occasional foreign guests.

Oh for that pink piggy to get fat.

Peace & tolerance

H

Commitment Ceremonies despite no legal marriage rights yet .......

In previous years I looked at commitment ceremonies in as parts of previous posts which followed up on some analysis across Jamaica for LGBT persons, other similar posts appear on Gay Jamaica Watch, Jamaican LGBT people have been making use of the avenues available to them to publicly as possible celebrate their love lives with friends and supportive family members and at that year in June often seen as the month of weddings there was no exception although the activities seem a little low keyed as years gone by as requests from the two or three Reverends who offer such duties to carry out the services fell. I would normally get calls to act as a witness in them, provide disc jock services for the reception or provide some sort of music on a storage form such as CDs or so.

This time around however as the Christmas holidays approach there has been a pleasant spike in terms of requests and questions/queries from persons in Jamaica seeking a space to have their ceremonies or renewal of ‘vows’ for older couples and as always since I have seen it lesbians tend to be the ones who go into long term unions than gay men but the latter have been taking the plunge as well. Like in part one of this entry the north American and indeed worldwide influences where ‘gay marriage’ is being made or has become legal persons are aspiring for same even if it is not legal yet here but in minds they want to show their love and explore the ceremonial components of a stable union. Foreigners from the United States mostly and as far as France in one case have also made queries via email and at first when I saw it I thought it was a joke or spam only to realise when I answered it was a serious inquiry.

With the advent of business avenues such as Airbnb as well and social media the requests are facilitated way easier than in times past, pink dollar markets are now open to virtually all. Non Jamaican and locals living overseas queries especially from those persons who are restricted by limited budgets or won’t or cannot afford a five star hotel after travelling want a more smaller intimate setting for their commitment ceremony nuptials. Lovely small and relatively reasonable priced spots in Portland, St Thomas and even Kingston outside of the traditional north coast flats are now easier to access directly or through blogs and NGOs. The price point is the key as prospective guests and couples avoid the middle man travel advisors or booking agents and make use of the advantages. Many of these properties under AirBnB and other independent guest house owners are seeing the opportunities as well and who attempt to roll out the red carpet albeit these are owned by heterosexuals. A married couple in Portland who came in contact with me via my blogs some years ago have been keeping in touch with me for some time now and have hosted two of the two ceremonies this year to much success ad satisfaction of the customers.

Same marriage or trans-persons marriages are not legal in Jamaica and may not be so for some time as the main hurdles of law reform on buggery and deep homo-negative and phobia driven stigma are on in earnest. Therefore the resistance to gay marriage is well embedded in all that nonsense and is still seen in this modern age as a method to ‘destroy the family’ when the family as we know and entrenched in the Jamaican constitution as between a man and a woman is already destroyed at best or is in serious trouble by those who already have the rights and privilege. If any damage is being done legal straight married couples (some Christians) are already doing a fine job not to mention those in the church and pulpits struggling with their own sexuality and hiding. At least with same sex marriage it provides some stability and maybe some same sexed married couples when the time comes can adopt children. On average for the past ten years end lots of young marriages end in divorce yet fanatical so called Christians who smear the rest of the church miss that fact that is so obvious. Just take a look at the official figures from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, STATIN:

or

To unhinge the deeply entrenched definition of marriage in Jamaica as between a man and a woman will take lots of time and political will but the LGBT population though flirted with by politicians in recent years does not command the voting block in sufficient numbers or power from a local standpoint to force legislators to make the change; aforementioned fanatics and anti gay voices also still have large sway over a sometimes obsequious following who can be whipped into a frenzy with just one sentence opposing homosexuality as it were.

The spin offs are also clear in my mind, dress makers, small interior decorators, transportation folks and cake makers/decorators all benefit from the business, one cake maker/decorator a staunch Pentecostal was quite OK after she got involved in providing services for one ceremony, she reportedly jokingly remarked send the business come let the people live their lives.

It would be good if and when persons can get married and enjoy the full state recognition and benefits that flow such as legal coverage, housing and health benefits and the settlement of divorces through the courts to share the material assets and so on. Demanding marriage equality is not a zapper to those who already are allowed to marry and as is deceptively brought through in the subtext of anti gay advocacy. The word “equality” is often overlooked by those who oppose the push for same; and the fearmongering that Jamaica will be punished for same or that such goals are too lofty and imposed by foreigners.

Fortunately I am booked for a few ceremonies this year as opposed to the traditional month of June but the problem (if I can call it so) is the priests and pastors normally used are also busy with their own seasonal duties at their home churches; maybe a friendly Justice of the Peace (JP) may have to be identified.

Hope that the nuptials will have a good life after making their vows and live their dreams.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

also see older entries:
Buy no rings, you won’t wed; religious fear-mongering on gay marriage & the buggery law continues 

Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship’s continued fear mongering on Christian persecution post buggery law amendment & re-socialization 

When did anyone ask for gay marriage rights in Jamaica when we can't get basic tolerance ......... more smokescreen to deny recognition

There goes gay marriage paranoia again 

More gay marriage paranoia & hijacking of the homosexual debate by fanatics

Lesbian couple celebrate their marriage locally .........

3 gay couples to wed in Negril - Activist says move is an act of defiance

CTO cannot compel countries to cater to LGBT travellers .......

FLORIDA, United States – Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Hugh Riley says while the body has provided information on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers to its member countries, it cannot compel them to cater to that group of vacationers.

“What we do is to bring the matter to discussion and we’ve not been shy about that at all. We brought all kinds of matter, including the LGBT matter, to the agenda of our annual conference. We have brought experts in on all sides of the issue, that’s our responsibility,” he argued.

He stressed however, that it is then up to each member country to decide how they want to deal with the issue.

“It’s a form of self-determination. It’s a form of member countries who are independent sovereign countries making their national policy, and that is how we have to accept it as a regional body. National policy from one country to another determines how vigorously that country wants to approach any particular niche,” Riley explained.

He was speaking to Caribbean journalists during the 18th Annual Shared Ownership Investment Conference at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel in Florida, earlier this week.

Several Caribbean destinations, including St Maarten and Curacao, have openly accepted LGBT vacationers, while others privately welcome them.

also see:

J'cans Tap Gay Online Rental Market - Misterb&B Seen As Opportunity To Diversify Income 

Caribbean tourism must reflect changing demands ....... pink $$$ anyone? 

Jamaica Should Open Arms To Gay Tourism

Gay Tourism Potential? (Letter plus) 

LGBT tourism breaks through US$200 billion in annual spending 

Cuba's shot in the arm for LGBTQ personhood & pink tourism 

Jamaica has sat back and watched Cuba and indeed other Caribbean states despite lesser anti homosexual sentiments move into the arena of LGBTQ tourism. The few properties who offer only online accommodation to said markets do so on their own with very little support to the Tourism Product Development Company, TPDco; they are now slowly coming to their senses it is said as Airbnb is here and other knock off types forge ahead.

My present DJ residency for example is a product of that informal offshoot as the outfit Bubbles Bar is a paid membership structure catering to special markets from overseas mostly of gay and bisexual men over forty and who like dance, circuit and rave music. The outfit has its successes from Friday to Sunday nights with an aggressive marketing team and owner who is always seeking customers.

Think our way out of the loss nationally I suppose.

Peace & tolerance

H

Jamaica to sign major agreement with Airbnb ........

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett today announced that the Ministry of Tourism is set to sign a major agreement with Airbnb to augment and drive growth within the tourism industry.

As usual we also play step-n-fetch it with these things, we sat by and watch Cuba's status change right before our eyes with flights recommenced and renewed in the virtually unspoiled destination that has kept it authentic identity and terrain for fifty years plus.

The minister, who made the announcement during a meeting with Airbnb executives at the ministry’s New Kingston offices, is optimistic about the potential impact the agreement will have on community tourism and is eager to finalise a memorandum of understanding to concretise the partnership.

“We are very happy to be partnering with Airbnb and know that it will be mutually beneficial to both entities involved. Once drafted, I know that the agreement will take into account our goal of destination assurance, which ensures our credibility in the marketplace. It will also allow us to utilise analytics across their social platforms. This will be a great tool for us to build a better collective resource management platform for our destination,” said Bartlett.

According to Airbnb’s executive with responsibility for public policy in Latin America and the Caribbean, Shawn Sullivan, the market for Airbnb in Jamaica is rapidly growing and is extremely lucrative. The site currently accounts for 2,300 active hosts and 4,000 active listings in the past year from Jamaica.

“Generally in the Caribbean, people will rent their entire homes. Here in Jamaica, we are seeing a mixture between private homes versus a private space in someone’s home. We were responsible for bringing in roughly 32,000 tourists within the past year and we believe that this collaboration will allow this to grow exponentially,” explained Sullivan.

Airbnb is a community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world online or from a mobile phone or tablet. It connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 191 countries. With a growing community of users, Airbnb is one of the easiest ways for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

Knock off versions so to speak of Airbnb who have seized the opportunity have been acting none the less; case in point my present DJ stint residency at Bubbles Bar which is a private members bar and guest house for selected local and overseas visitors seeking a reasonably priced outfit, with good vibes (including reggae music) and housemusic lovers, mostly over forty, single as well as couples in order to benefit from rate discount packages. The big properties do not like these developments as it eats into their market of so called concrete jungle all-inclusives that lock away guests from the local scenery for the most part.

An attempt was made to revive the older longstanding Club Heavens but the owners were not interested to renew the engagement which lasted for some 11 years in total. Now that the government has officially entered into some agreement I wonder if they will also consider LGBT tourism openly? given the buggery law issue and homo-negative constructs nationally I doubt it.

Interesting times lie ahead

Peace & tolerance

H

J'cans Tap Gay Online Rental Market - Misterb&B Seen As Opportunity To Diversify Income

Well this is not anything new as the writers at Gleaner's business department present the captioned article in Sunday's last paper. The only new part are the platforms but networking has always been a feature of the gay tourist who takes the chance to come to Jamaica, especially at smalle properties and guest houses. I have facilitated such trips; especially when there is an event involved from overseas DJs to female/male impersonators (Drag king).

Previous entries will bring that to bear, such as:

LGBT leisure travel market set to spike .................... LGBT "friendly" resorts are here 2012

Caribbean tourism must reflect changing demands ....... pink $$$ anyone? 2015

Here is the current article in question:

As Jamaicans tap into the online rental market for business through platforms such as Airbnb they are slowly becoming more amenable to a side of the market that is largely shunned domestically gay travellers.

Some landlords and property owners are open to visitors through applications such as misterb&b, which caters to gays.

Still, it is not a big market by any measure. The number of local rooms available remains low at nine, but it grew from five two months ago Comparatively, Airbnb offers more than 1,000 listings across Jamaica.

The misterb&b site prides itself on listings, which offer "tips to stay like a gay local". Those hosts with whom Sunday Business spoke said offering the service complements the regular bed and breakfast offering.

"We don't do it only for the money," said one host, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rooms for gay visitors are listed across the island ranging from US$60 upwards, compared with Airbnb, which offers rooms for as low as US$20.

The theme of offering a 'safe space' was mirrored by other hosts, but all asked to remain anonymous for this story. It underscores the discreet service these listings offer within Jamaica, seen as a homophobic hot spot.

The most recent anti-gay furore surrounded the Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte tweeting that raising the gay rainbow flag at the US Embassy last week was disrespectful of Jamaican laws although she gave no legal rationale. The act of buggery that is, anal sex remains illegal, but there are no explicit laws against homosexuality.

Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook says that travel apps, whether catering to straight travellers or gays, do not need to channel activity through the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

"The JTB has no jurisdiction over the creation of travel apps," said Pennicook in a response facilitated through the JTB marketing department. "The JTB has no direct relationship with Airbnb nor misterb&b.

There are numerous online entities that provide travel services such as air, accommodation, ground transfer, etc. to the travelling public, but these services are not, nor are they required, to be channelled through the JTB."

The local gay lobby group, J-FLAG, provisionally endorsed the move as it offers safe spaces to gays.

"Anything that creates a safe space for travellers is a good thing, assuming that the app and the people renting have good intentions," said a spokeswoman at J-FLAG.

"I am a lesbian and if I am travelling I know that not all places are friendly to the LGBT community. So on the face of it, it would seem as a good thing," she said.

The spokeswoman, who also requested anonymity, said she would want the app service to be more inclusive of lesbians.

Misterb&b launched in 2013 primarily to allow gay men to secure gay-friendly rentals. Misterb&b offers 55,000 rentals in 130 countries and is not affiliated or associated with Airbnb.

The site came about after co-founder Matthieu Jost encountered mixed experiences while renting on travel sites. He recalled a most uncomfortable host in Barcelona four years ago whose hostility sparked the impetus for the site.

"Upon arrival, the host felt not comfortable with gay men staying in her home. She even asked 'Are you going to sleep in the same bed?'" according to information on the rental site.

From that experience, Jost misterb&b's chief executive officer decided a short-term rental service by and for gay men was needed to help provide safety and community for travellers.

also see:
Calling for a Tourism Boycott on Jamaica is a dumb idea at this time 2013

Is ‘The Most Homophobic Place on Earth’ Turning Around? 2015

Cuba's shot in the arm for LGBTQ personhood & pink tourism

Gay Tourism Potential? (Letter plus)

The following is a letter to the Gleaner on potential expansion of LGBT tourism since recent US gay marriage court ruling. I am in agreement with most of the sentiments as the private networking as obtains now or links from larger properties to markets via gay pride and advocates now exists.

The potential for the pink dollar is tremendous but it seems in Jamaica we are usually behind the times and allow others to take the lead in some sense.

Bearing in mind Cuba does not have a buggery law and pervasive homo/transphobia as we do and despite their communist stance they do allow LGBT tours once planned properly and such. Groups such as CENESEX headed by none other than the daughter of Fidel Castro, Mariela Castro has made significant strides.

Now to the letter:

THE EDITOR, Sir:

With the recent landmark ruling of the United States Supreme Court further entrenching the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, this time giving same-sex couples the lawful right to marry, is Jamaica prepared for the spillover effects of this move? Jamaica has long been viewed as probably one of the most homophobic countries in the world, even though this is far from the truth. However, should the discussions about the possible benefits to our tourism sector begin?

Nobody can argue with the fact that the spending power of same-sex couples is most times much stronger than that of heterosexual couples. With this new wave of change that will hit the US, honeymoons and family vacations will now feel more like a right to same-sex couples, and Jamaica is in a perfect location to benefit from this.

Jamaica has the perfect package - sun, sea, sand, culture, entertainment - that can truly resonate with vacationers. But are we prepared for this new type of tourism? Are hotel workers ready and willing to serve two ladies in love? Or two men who have recently tied the knot? Are our police officers prepared to protect possible same-sex tourists who may become victims of discrimination in our tourism areas? And the biggest question of all, is our Government prepared to stand by our product - Jamaica - as one that is open for all to enjoy?

There can be no pussyfooting around the issue; we must face it.

I think the Ministry of Tourism needs to take a very in-depth look at the potential for Jamaica, and not wait until after other Caribbean islands has started and are benefiting. Lest we get the leftovers, as with the ganja movement.

Hotels need to start training their team members about cultural diversity as do schools certifying hospitality workers. Same-sex couples will want to experience Jamaica. It's better we be prepared than act obliviously to what's going to happen because people now feel more entitled to travel with their legal partner.

JAVID BROWN

Ocho Rios, St Ann

ENDS

I hope someone in authority take heed; the larger resorts do already encourage LGBT tourists especially with certain events such as Bloom at Hedonism or so on.

Others such as the up-end market Round Hill is known for entertaining LGBT guests as couples and so on.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Peace & tolerance

H

Cuba's shot in the arm for LGBTQ personhood & pink tourism

In April this year in a previous post Caribbean tourism must reflect changing demands ....... pink $$ anyone? I had raised the business side of LGBTQ person-hood as placed to our neighbours 90 miles to the north and the opportunities we might be missing in this regard, well we did not have to wait long as news comes that a mass wedding is coming in Cuba during their pride celebrations.

The BBC reported:

copyright Reuters - A law was passed in 2013 banning discrimination against sexuality - but not gender identity

Gay rights activists in Cuba will hold a mass wedding this weekend, in a country where gay marriage is still not legal.

The activists will be led by the daughter of President Raul Castro, Mariela, who is a leading gay and transgender rights campaigner.

The symbolic wedding will be part of Cuba's annual gay pride parade.

Ms Castro said she hoped the event could lead to further change in future.

In recent years, Cuba has taken steps towards integrating people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In 2010, two years after he stood down as president, Fidel Castro said he had been wrong to discriminate against gay people, who were sent to labour camps soon after the 1959 revolution.

In 2012, Adela Hernandez, who is biologically male but has lived as a woman since childhood, became the first LGBT person in Cuba to win a seat in office, after winning in municipal elections in central Cuba.

And in 2008, Cuba approved free sex-change operations to those who qualified.
Ms Castro, the head of the National Sex Education Centre and a member of Cuba's National Assembly, says her father supports same-sex marriage, but no legislation has yet been approved.

"We can't do a wedding, but we wanted to have a very modest celebration of love with some religious leaders," said Ms Castro,

"In the future we'll see what more we can do."

In December 2013, a new labour law was approved, outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

But the law did not ban discrimination based on gender identity, and Ms Castro voted against it.

"There is a fear that this will tear Cuban society apart," Ms Castro said. "It will create cultural and ideological enrichment."

In its 2014 annual report, Freedom House, a US-based think-tank, criticised delays in implementing same-sex marriage in Cuba, and said the authorities "do not recognize the work of independent, grassroots LGBT rights groups".

ENDS

So now that the thawing of relations with Cuba and the US the gates have flung open and the island already seen as a novelty will only attract more curiosity seekers and the visitor is looking for a rugged experience and freedom from harassment (as happens here so much), not limited to a concrete jungle all inclusive Jamaica may be in for some stiff competition. 

Local hotels and small properties have been privately marketing to the growing LGBT market in the states I am told and in the aforementioned post it was mentioned but outward displays of affection is not a culturally palatable, the homo-negative and homophobic climate also plus the label of us being one of the most homophobic countries thanks to Time Magazine's article.

We need to learn and develop our own products and shed this fear and misunderstanding that is blocking so much potential.

Sadly the forward thinking is still not there from some in the business

also see:

Cuba And Caribbean Tourism (Gleaner 2015)

LGBT leisure travel market set to spike .................... LGBT "friendly" resorts are here

Jamaica missing out on gay billions, says J'can scholar 2008 from the Jamaica Observer

Cuba Makes Progress in Sex Reassignment Surgery ... expects communist party to accept LGBT rights 2012

Cuban(s) enjoys new benefit of free sex-change operation 2011

Mariela Castro: “U.S government is concerned about LGBT movement in Cuba” 2012

Cuba Looking to Become Gay Travel Hotspot 2013

Jamaica Should Open Arms To Gay Tourism

A recent Gleaner hospitality news feature reported that Cuba, Barbados, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are among the top 10 most gay-friendly destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Not surprising at all, these countries have huge tourism industries, attracting visitors from all over. Cuba, despite its political limitations, has made major strides with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights to the point where it is almost a non-issue now.

I have seen openly gays there, in hotels, and outside. It's not in your face, but no one is bothered. Yes, LGBT groups have great economic power, and the article reports that the LGBT tourism industry is valued a whopping US$200 billion annually.

What a great loss to Jamaica that we cannot be more tolerant, considering that tourism earns more than 50 per cent of our foreign exchange and account for a quarter of all jobs!

We limit ourselves and our potential by virtue of our own prejudices and unnecessary hostility. 'Gay-friendly' does not mean acceptance either, what it means is, we are mature enough, intelligent enough to recognise that diversity is a part of life, and that our customers will come to us in all sizes, shapes and forms.

The article went on to state that there are few properties on the island, five resorts to be specific, which currently list their properties as 'gay-friendly'. If true, this is progress. However, I know of only one such resort that has been gay-friendly, for decades, hospitable to all guests, regardless, and its room occupancy level hovers at nearly 100 per cent at all times, all year!

TRAIN STAFF TO UNDERSTAND DIVERSITY

More properties in Jamaica need to train staff to understand diversity, they will eventually learn. All persons are potential tourists, and our industry leaders must wake up, and realise the world is also changing around us while we continue to limit ourselves.

When Jamaicans go abroad, whether to visit or to live, they adapt so easily, no issues at all, as they learn to live with, play with, and work with LGBT individuals.

I, therefore, don't buy the argument that our people cannot learn to be more tolerant on home turf! Diversity and tolerance should be an integral part of Team Jamaica's tourism training, which is a start. And, yes, we can still hold on to our ethics, morals, religion and even offer prayers for those we choose to judge and condemn!

I hope someone in authority take heed; the larger resorts do already encourage LGBT tourists especially with certain events such as Bloom at Hedonism or so on.

Others such as the up-end market Round Hill is known for entertaining LGBT guests as couples and so on.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Peace & tolerance

H

LGBT tourism breaks through US$200 billion in annual spending

Janet Silvera, Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator

Tourism spend by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) will exceed US$200 billion for the first time in 2014.

Statistics released at the just-concluded World Travel Market by Out Now Business Class (ONBC), the world's leading LGBT tourism trade association, said the United States (US) leads the market, followed by Brazil.

US LGBT travellers spent US$56.5 billion and Brazil US$25.3 billion, says Out Now.

The news comes as the organisation announced a major partnership with the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and GALTA (Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia).

It also comes at a time when Jamaica has come under more pressure from the LGBT community and travel guide books and websites such as Tripadvisor.com, where persons have advised gays and lesbians from visiting the country.

An advisory in the popular Frommers Guide which describes Jamaica as the most homophobic island in the Caribbean, with harsh anti-gay laws, even though there's a large local gay population.

"Many all-inclusive resorts allow same-sex couples, but if you're desiring a gay trip to get some sun, forget Jamaica unless you want to stay deep in the closet," stated Frommers, advising readers to opt for places such as Puerto Rico, notably Old San Juan, which is a friendlier destination.

"Or South Beach (part of Miami Beach) or Key West, but definitely not Jamaica where intolerance of gays is most pronounced. Local gay activists have been killed or had their homes set on fire," said the guide book.

A number of visitors to the renowned Tripadvisor website also cautioned those who may opt for Jamaica, stating that just because the resorts say they are gay friendly doesn't mean all the employees are tolerant.

One person's perspective from their trip read like this, "Our only down side to the resort was that we seemed to have been the only lesbians to have ever graced the resort. We were asked at least 1,000 times if we were sisters, or friends or something, and they were in disbelief when we said we were married. We were asked if they could join, and nonsense like that, but for the most part the staff was very friendly. Again, just not for a lesbian honeymoon. Not that we are looking to be all gay all the time, but just to not be on the spot all the time."

In the meantime, ONBC and ETOA jointly released a new LGBT2020 Report on European Tourism showing the total value of spending on travel by LGBT Europeans will next year account for US$66.1 billion of total tourism spending.

The CEO of Out Now Global, Ian Johnson also said the results presented at WTM had much to keep the industry thinking on about how to best understand and meet the needs of the global LGBT travel market. "It is great that the value of LGBT tourism spending now exceeds USD$202 billion but there are still many challenges the industry needs to address," Johnson said.

"Staff training is essential to help get staff up to speed with what has become an unstoppable LGBT consumer revolution for the travel industry. We are obviously pleased that all ONBC members now receive unlimited online staff training to help deliver better understanding and customer service to LGBT guests."

Johnson also pointed out that the acronym LGBT may soon be replaced by the more inclusive LGBTI - recognising an increasing awareness of intersex issues in society. "Intersex people are becoming more visible and their unique issues are slowly becoming better understood," Johnson said.

"In a number of markets in which Out Now works the acronym LGBT, it is now routinely being superseded by LGBTI and the global tourism industry definitely needs more education on what being intersex means."

Intersex is the condition of being intermediate between male and female or hermaphroditism.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Calling for a Tourism Boycott on Jamaica is a dumb idea at this time

Some young advocates as it were with full support from some older ones who seem more interested in attention seeking than seriously thinking what can happen when such poorly thought out agitations are launched. Lest we forget the LGBT population is still reeling from the black eye from the Queen Ifrica fiasco and the fumbling by all parties involved namely JFLAG and JAGLA (Jamaica Association of Gays and Lesbians Abroad) like wherein the hardened positions by the anti gay voices and persons has gotten more so. Now we see the Lovemarch folks planning another march from Hope Gardens to Half Way Tree on September 14th in opposition to the upcoming court cases challenging the buggery law etc.

Lest we also forget for those who were around before in 2008 and for newcomers we have gone down this road before with calls for boycotts by over exuberant foreign activists out of touch with our realities and who in a supposed bid to assist us in the struggle instead we ended up with a near diplomatic nightmare and a major spike in homophobic incident reports that these same voices were not prepared to assist us (I was a JFLAG at the time) to mitigate or engage. The choppings, profilings, beatings and so on were numerous and the narrative that rang out in some of those documented cases was that they were done in retaliation for making our country suffer in the eyes of the attackers.

EGALE - EQUALITY FOR GAYS AND LESBIANS EVERYWHERE Canada for example comes to mind in 2008 where they fervently called for a tourism boycott and the nation turned red with the call those days we did not have a more supportive media as now and it was a public relations nightmare the call ended up causing more problems than they solved, SMMS Stop Murder Music Canada also joined the call but called it off after some persuasion from local advocates on the ground and a response from the then government of Jamaica, also involved was the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto who had demanded that the Jamaican government immediately denounce homophobic violence in the country and begin work on repealing laws criminalizing homosexuality, including sexual orientation in the Charter of Rights and developing education campaigns for the country and for the police. A similar call has been hinted to by JAGLA, individual advocates and supported by Maurice Tomlinson. The supposed call is stop the rising numbers of violence meted out to members of the LGBT populations in recent times, my fear based on experience is that such calls only seek to increase the very abuses that the calls are intended to decrease, boycotts are counter productive, besides travel agents said that a tourist boycott was not likely to have a major impact anyway then and I doubt it would have now, also we must bear in mind that Air Canada recently commenced flights to Kingston again with renewed interest in the destination and given our economic situation, austerity and the mood of the nation on many fronts this is not the time for a boycott. Jobs are scarce, persons are tense we do not need a spark to set the place on fire.

Then came the Red Stripe boycott as well which had us in a frenzy for some time although Red Stripe bounced back easily and capitalized on the unexpected exposure that they could not pay for, their forward thinking however averted trouble when they vowed not to support shows with artists professing violent lyrics overall. Back then I had posted in a response to our friends in San Francisco; "While I appreciate the support in the cause for justice and tolerance towards everyone here despite their sexual orientation, groups planning or who have planned these events must be mindful of the repercussions such actions may have on an already marginalized grouping as we are here.

Members of the public and by extension select public opinion shapers will consider this as interference by foreigners and hence push for more hatred and opposition towards gays. Not to mention the increase in violence that occurs when a situation like this becomes public knowledge. As we have seen before during the planned Canadian group EGALE’s boycott early last year many persons including lesbians suffered attacks, we saw a spike in the numbers that was never so for lesbians especially before. The stories told to us by many victims included hints that we (gays) were getting foreigners to force their nasty lifestyle on Jamaica and other derogatory remarks so the attackers felt justified in their actions.

I ask you our friends to be mindful, JFLAG is slowly working on the ground to reach several objectives which include on going dialogue and other strategies which I am not at liberty to reveal now that I am aware of. Also to consider are the limited resources available for any action that may need to be taken in crisis intervention cases.

Let us remember too that it was Red Stripe, one of the targets of this ban campaign that withdrew financial backing for events and artists who promote violence of any sort against Jamaicans some time ago, we wouldn’t want to erode that small gain now, small as it was it was a step in the right direction.

Thanks to the organizers and participants however for showing concern and for taking the steps to bring the matter(s) to public light but let us communicate before any other drastic actions are taken, I know that there are passionate persons out there to our cause and I am grateful personally and by extension I know the JFLAG team and gays here are thankful too.

One Love

H"

Cordially relations are enjoyed since and in fact it was the members of the same team in essence that met with Buju Banton, Michael Petrelis seated to Buju's left was involved in the Red Stripe boycott call. Boycott calls tend to make the hotel market jittery and with the public still angry at the feeling that the lobby has moved from being the oppressed to the oppressor. 

alarmist LGBT crisis reporting?

One wonders if the calls are genuine when the same persons making such calls do not reside here and seem oblivious to the real conditions on the ground such as the long standing issue of homelessness which none of these fly by night groups have once spoken to fully yet but are loud on limelight placing demonstrations and homophobic or transphobic violence reactions, case in point the Dwayne Jones murder in July, Jones was indeed homeless and resided illegally in a captured house in western Jamaica while alive he got very little assistance but in death became wonderful public relations material for some persons to project themselves yet they do not directly get involved in frontline work, one wonders. 

The fundamental concern for me is when the boycott is launched as persons seem head strong to do impervious of the opinions of influentials and previous Programs Managers of JFLAG will these groups and individuals provide assistance in whatever forms (outside of asylum seeking avenues) for local folks who may fall as involuntary martyrs for a cause they may not necessarily subscribe to? Such persons are in the comfort of other lands and can say anything what about the least amongst us especially who are far more exposed to the likelihood of being attacked or killed?

Knee jerk reactions to an obvious spike in homo-negative incidents is not the way to go about it, careful thought has to be done and strategizing but with recent outcomes in the lobby as well as outside of it leaves me wondering and indeed concerned on many fronts.

also see: Murder Music Campaign needs local leadership and Gov’t Hush Hush On Gay Pressure …As Promoters Forced To Pull Queen Ifrica From Canada Show 

Rev Al Miller’s late response to Dwayne Jones’ Murder & Respect heterosexuals demand

Sizzla bats for Queen Ifrica as expected 

Queen Ifrica's "Freedom of Speech" & advocacy found wanting  

'I SPOKE FOR WHAT I BELIEVED IN' - Queen Ifrica defends Grand Gala performance after JFLAG backlash

We muss tek sleep and mark death and learn from previous mistakes instead of going headstrong inna more mess creating more unneeded obstacles.

Peace and tolerance

H