All About Travelling While Trans, Featuring Hotel Zed

As a trans-led brand (and trans people!) that makes custom clothing for all genders, we’ve heard it all: the airport pat-downs. The hotel check-in nerves. The suitcase full of “what ifs.” Travelling while trans comes with unique challenges—and it’s okay to name those. But what’s equally important is this: it doesn’t have to be scary, isolating, or dysphoria-inducing. In fact, travel can be a source of healing. A place for connection. A reminder that you belong not just at home, but everywhere.

Across the globe, a quiet transformation is happening. Hotels, travel businesses, cities, and even small towns are waking up to the fact that queer and trans people deserve to feel safe, seen, and celebrated when we explore the world. What used to be a niche consideration is becoming a full-on movement, powered by community voices, activism, and a growing refusal to accept the status quo.

Why We’re Seeing More Inclusive Options

We’re seeing this shift because people, especially young people, are demanding it. They’re traveling with their values. They’re using their money to support brands that actually walk the talk when it comes to inclusion. It’s also thanks to the work of activists and organizers who’ve spent decades building safer spaces, creating guides for queer travellers, and holding companies accountable.

This ripple effect is turning into a wave as trailblazing businesses and places are stepping up not just to “include” queer and trans people, but to center and celebrate us. With more training. More visible policies. More queer leadership at the table. And more joy.

We’re talking about hotels that list pronouns on name tags and train their staff in gender diversity. Resorts that offer gender-neutral spas. Whole cities that are marketing themselves as LGBTQIA+ destinations—not just during Pride, but year-round.

And most importantly, we’re talking about people. The person at the front desk who greets you with your chosen name. The server who doesn’t blink at “they/them.” The hotel manager who says, “We want you here, just as you are.”

That kind of travel? It’s possible. It’s already happening. And it’s worth planning for.

Joyful Queer Travel is Possible

We experienced this new type of queer-integral travel firsthand this March, when my partner, Élo, and I (both of us trans) stayed at Hotel Zed while speaking at the Moving Trans Histories Forward Conference in Victoria, BC. 

Hotel Zed initially reached out to us with a partnership opportunity. And with it came the offer to experience one of their spaces firsthand. And we were met with something rare and beautiful: a stay that felt not only safe, but affirming. 

Queer joy was in the air, not tucked away in a rainbow sticker or a side comment. It was in the staff training. In the inclusive language on signs. In the way that every guest, no matter who they are or who they love, was treated with kindness and celebration. If you’ve never experienced that while travelling before, just know it’s out there. And it’s incredible.

So let this be your reminder that there are supportive spaces out there that feed your soul, not your stress. There is a version of travel that lets you exhale. That lets you take up space. That lets you feel hot, fun, and sexy, instead of cautious.

Meet Hotel Zed: Canada’s Most Joyfully Unordinary Hotel

Hotel Zed calls itself "rebels against the ordinary"—and they mean it. Located in Victoria, Kelowna, and Tofino, these retro-inspired hotels are bursting with colour, vintage charm, and a sense of play that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson movie in the best possible way. Disco balls, ping-pong tables, and typewriter stations aren’t just décor—they’re invitations to have fun.

But what really sets Hotel Zed apart is its deep commitment to inclusion. They were the first hotel chain in Canada to be fully Rainbow Registered, meaning they’ve gone through an official accreditation process to ensure their spaces are safe, welcoming, and affirming for 2SLGBTQIA+ guests. And it doesn’t stop at lip service—managers are required to complete fulsome training on pronoun usage, gender diversity, and inclusion. Their staff benefits even include coverage for hormone therapy.

It’s clear: Hotel Zed isn’t trying to profit off Pride. They’ve built their business around making space for all rebels. We interviewed their Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Matt Schmitt, who launched their anti-deadnaming policy, was instrumental in getting them Rainbow Registered, and leads their Pride initiatives. 

Interview with Matt Schmitt of Hotel Zed

Rae: What prompted you to include gender-affirming practices at Hotel Zed?

Matt: My experience traveling as a queer person—often with another queer person—has not always been great. I’ve been hit with the “Oh, you booked one bed. That must have been a mistake—we have two beds available if you’d like” comment one too many times. Then there are the weird looks, the silent judgment from room service or the front desk, etc. It often felt like just existing as a queer couple made people super uncomfortable, and they felt the need to treat us differently—when all we wanted was to be treated like any other couple.

 We’ve also faced blatant discrimination: A few summers ago, our room wasn't cleaned, we weren’t given toilet paper or refills for soap/body wash/shampoo, and we were even accused (as non-smokers) of smoking in the room and were almost charged a smoking fee—which I fought. I ended up speaking with their VP of Operations and contacting the office of the CEO of their large hotel chain to file a complaint.

Living through these experiences really opened my eyes to how much room for improvement there is in the hospitality space when it comes to inclusivity, training, procedures, SOPs, etc. All humans deserve a safe place to stay when traveling. I wanted to make sure everyone felt safe the moment they walked through our doors. Hotels should be a place to rest, not a place where you feel anxious about being yourself. I know if we faced these issues, we’re not alone.

Rae: What has your experience been like travelling as a trans person?

Matt: I am a cisgender male; however, my partner/fiancé is a trans person. I can only speak to my experience and what I’ve witnessed—I can’t speak for him or his experience directly.

I met him about nine months into his transition (we’ll be together six years in August), and I’ve seen the dysphoria, the extreme discomfort, the anxiety, and so many other emotions when he was deadnamed or had to present an ID that didn’t match his name or gender marker. It broke my heart every single time it happened.

So, I made it my mission (with the help of many other teams) to do everything in our power to make the experience less uncomfortable for anyone checking in with an ID that doesn’t align with their identity at Hotel Zed and Accent Inns. I know there’s no way to remove dysphoria or discomfort 100%, but we’re committed to making it as easy and smooth as possible.

To do this, I had many conversations with my partner, posted in Trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ Reddit threads, blogs, and pages, looking for feedback on what would make the experience better for a trans person with an ID/credit card that doesn’t match how they identify.

We then created an SOP to ensure the guest feels as comfortable as possible. This is also now part of our sensitivity training. It includes procedures for how and where this information is stored, how it’s handled, and how to check in a guest whose ID doesn’t match their payment method or gender identity.

Rae: What inclusions have you experienced that made your stays feel safer and supported?

Matt: It’s the small, intentional things that make the biggest difference. Safety and support start before I even arrive at a hotel. When I see inclusive language on a website or booking form—like having the option to share my pronouns or seeing a statement of inclusion that feels genuine and not performative—that’s a signal that I might actually be safe there.

At check-in, I notice when staff use gender-neutral language until they know how I identify. There are no assumptions, and there are no awkward moments. Even subtle details—like all-gender restrooms, seeing staff with pronoun pins, or the use of inclusive signage—make me feel like I belong. I’ve also really appreciated team members being clearly trained on gender diversity. I can feel when it’s not just lip service. You can tell when inclusion is baked into the culture, not just something done for Pride Month.

But honestly, the biggest thing is being treated like a person, not a curiosity, not an inconvenience, just someone trying to enjoy a stay, the same as anyone else. That level of dignity and respect? That’s what sticks with me long after checkout. 

A true ally is committed to supporting the community 365 days a year. We don’t just donate and call it a day—we follow up with action. We make commitments to our staff, guests, vendors, and the communities we serve, demonstrating that we are truly an inclusive organization.

From the bottom of my heart, I can say I’ve never worked anywhere that celebrates your true, authentic, weird, and fun self like Hotel Zed and Accent Inns. I’ve also rarely seen other businesses show up for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the real world the way we do.

Rae: How were the proposed changes at Hotel Zed received by other staff?

Matt: Great! We have a fantastic group of humans. Being such an incredible company with an incredible culture naturally attracts wicked people. Because of that, everyone was open to learning, asking questions, and implementing policies.

When our company shopped around for a new booking engine, they made the ability to work within our Anti-Deadnaming Policy a non-negotiable requirement. This required custom coding from any software provider we chose, but our team was very clear that we needed to make check-in safe for folks who don’t match their name and/or gender markers on their IDs. Now, any hospitality client who uses that booking engine has this feature available to them!

People still ask questions if they’re unsure, and are always open to feedback if something didn’t go as well as it could have. When this was first rolled out, I met with all the regional managers and general managers to talk about the Deadname and Booking SOP. We also did a refresher on topics like deadnames, pronouns, gender vs. sex, and gender identity.

I can’t speak for everyone, but it feels like our team wants to be the best they can be and is willing to learn when given the opportunity. We approach it by coaching the leaders on the SOP/training, and then they coach their teams using the materials I provide. So far, I believe this system has been working well and is well implemented.

I know our gender-diverse staff truly appreciate the work being done, and I agree. How cool is it to work for such an inclusive and loving place? We are proof that it can be done.

 

Rae: Have you seen an impact from the policies you’ve included?

Matt: Yes!! Queer joy is the best way I can describe it. We’ve had many queer folks comment on how impressed they were with our policies, procedures, and just the overall vibe and culture. Feeling safe when you’re away from home—your safe space—is something special, and everyone deserves that.

One especially cool story: we had a guest write to us on Instagram. Their trans partner (AFAB) was pre-op and felt most comfortable going topless in the hot tub (in Tofino). They asked if that would be possible.

We took the question seriously, did tons of research on best practices, legal implications, guest and staff safety—everything. Our VP of People and Culture even called the guest directly to let them know that their comfort and safety were our number one priority, and shared with them all of their options.  

We offered them the option to either use the hot tub with other guests (topless, if that’s what made them most comfortable) or we could close it for a private experience. We left the choice 100% up to them, and they chose to use the hot tub as normal with other guests. They were thrilled to have a safe space where they could enjoy the hot tub in a way that felt right for them.

Later, another guest reached out to tell us how incredible it was to witness that moment of queer joy—seeing someone be themselves with their partner, without having to hide or cover up. We put a lot of time, effort, and expert insight into making sure we got it right the first time—and I think we nailed it. Everyone involved felt safe, loved, and seen. What an incredible outcome. It gives me goosebumps every time I tell, or think about the story!

 

Rae: How important is it to you that support for gender-diverse folks comes from within the community, from people with similar lived experiences?

Matt: This is super important to me!

As I mentioned above, when we created the Deadname and Booking SOP, I worked with the trans community to make sure we got it right. I’m not a trans person, and I don’t have a deadname, so I involved my partner and other folks within the community to share their concerns, past experiences, and suggestions.

I believe that support, training, and education should be done by people with lived experience—or at the very least, co-created with them. Meaningful support can’t happen without that real-world insight. There’s just no substitute for it. I also think it is better received when it comes from someone with lived experience.

 It’s about making space for those voices, not speaking over them.

Hotel Zed’s Newest Initiative: The Love Nest

After hearing Matt speak, one thing is crystal clear: Hotel Zed isn’t just checking boxes when it comes to inclusion- they’re living it, breathing it, and building it into every part of the guest experience. From behind-the-scenes policy changes to everyday moments of queer joy, their commitment shows up in real, tangible ways. And now, they’re taking that commitment one giant, rainbow-covered step further with a space that flips the hospitality script completely.

Because what’s more affirming than being seen as someone worthy of safety? Being seen as someone worthy of pleasure.

This summer, Hotel Zed Victoria is unveiling The Love Nest—Canada’s first hotel room intentionally designed for sex, connection, and unapologetic intimacy. Inspired by real feedback, created with inclusivity at its core, and built on a foundation of “no shame, all joy,” The Love Nest is a space where queer and trans folks can reconnect with themselves and their partners in a setting that celebrates every body and every kind of relationship. 

Created by Hotel Zed’s CEO, Mandy Farmer (who has been dreaming up this space for years), The Love Nest is a shame-free, pleasure-positive room that celebrates romantic exploration without censorship or awkward euphemisms. Whether you’re rekindling a longtime love or exploring a new connection, this suite is designed to support intimacy in all its forms for all types of people.

Here’s just a taste of what’s inside:

• Mirrored walls and peek-a-boo windows for those who love a little exhibitionism—or curtains for cozy cocoon vibes

• A retro velvet Playpen sofa and ergonomic tantric chaise for playful exploration

• A dance pole (yes, seriously!)

• A luxurious wet room with five showerheads and plenty of grab bars

• A sexy library with games to get things started

• A kitchenette for post-romp snacks and rehydration
  
  

It’s bold. It’s fun. And it’s exactly the kind of no-shame space queer and trans folks deserve. The room is scheduled to open in Victoria, BC, sometime in mid-July. And while Élo and I were bummed we couldn’t try it while we were there, we’ll definitely be going back to Hotel Zed in the future!

In the meantime, we’re excited to announce that Hotel Zed is giving us an exclusive pre-booking discount for The Love Nest! So, make sure you’re signed up for our mailer, and we’ll be sending that code out to the mailing list at the beginning of July!

Resources for Travelling While Trans

Of course, even in the most affirming spaces, travelling while trans can come with specific considerations. From navigating TSA with gender markers that don’t match your presentation, to finding safe places to stay, or knowing your rights at border crossings—it’s okay to take extra steps to protect your peace. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re showing up in a world that’s still catching up. Below, we’ve put together a list of resources to help you feel more prepared, supported, and empowered wherever your travels take you

And as always, if you have resources that you use to help you travel comfortably, send us an email! We always love hearing from the community about your strategies, and we’ll be sure to add them to this blog as we get them.

https://www.equaldex.com/ Database of country-specific laws

https://www.iglta.org/ The world's leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses

https://purpleroofs.com/ List of LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, tour companies, travel agents, etc. 

https://transequality.org/issues/travel-airport-security Updates travel tips for trans passengers

https://refugerestrooms.org/ Database of safe places to use bathrooms

https://www.everywhereisqueer.com/ Global list of queer-owned businesses and safe spaces

https://www.heyfamm.com/ North American list of queer-owned businesses and brands

List of Safest / Worst States to Live in Based on Anit-Trans Legislation

ACLU Passports and Gender Markers Intake  Legal aid to assist you if you're facing issues with your passport gender marker.