“When the rainbow flags come down, real inclusion begins. A look at how organizations, the travel industry, and everyday communities can build belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled people year-round.” July arrives quietly. The rainbow logos disappear from social media profiles. Storefront displays come down. Marketing campaigns shift to the next seasonal promotion.
Travel should feel like a possibility. But for many 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, especially those of us navigating the world with accessibility needs, it often begins with something else entirely: questions. Considerations. Calculations that many other travellers never have to think about.
I still remember the first time I approached airport security with my mobility scooter. Before that moment, travelling had always been easy. I used to glide through checkpoints without a second thought, never stopping to consider how much my body made the process simple.
When Matthew Medeiros wheels onto a ship, he isn’t looking for champagne or chandeliers first. He’s scanning for ramps, lifts, and the little design choices that tell him the cruise line didn’t tack accessibility on as an afterthought.
Hi, I’m Matthew Medeiros, but feel free to call me Matty. I’m from Vancouver, British Columbia, and I’m proud to serve as an Accessible Travel Advisor and Advocate, dedicated to making travel more inclusive for everyone.
