Hostels welcome a various vary of travellers, in actual fact, 83% of Hostelworld clients assume hostels are extraordinarily or very inclusive. However how? And the way are they guaranteeing everybody feels assured to be themselves with out discrimination? Nicely, as a part of Hostelworld’s Sustainability Tales, we’re sharing the hostels that aren’t solely welcoming however are going above and past to create a extra inclusive world.
Journey pushes us out of our consolation zones to expertise new issues, be courageous and problem our regular routines. However, in the case of the lodging we keep in, we’d like the alternative, to really feel snug and welcomed within the locations we deal with as momentary houses. For that to occur, lodging must be inclusive; not only for us sleeping there, however for the employees and wider group too.
Within the final instalment, we heard how St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona, are driving sustainability by way of progressive recycling options. This month, we make a journey to the US, to Greenville, South Carolina, to fulfill a hostel that’s empowering the LGBTQIA+ group and creating house for travellers and native individuals to rejoice who they’re.
Meet Modal Hostel
Greenville, South Carolina is recurrently named the Friendliest Metropolis within the US. Trying like the placement for a Hallmark film, a visit right here would see you gobble up its scrumptious meals and turn out to be immersed in its rising arts scene.
A cultural hub affected by museums and with Appalachian Mountain trails on its doorstep, Modal Hostel emulates its environment. A contemporary boutique-style hostel full with its personal artwork gallery and occasional store/bar, Modal is a gathering place for creatives, journey lovers and digital nomads alike.
Whereas Greenville boasts southern hospitality, it’s additionally steeped in very conservative values and dated views about sexuality and id. That is the place Modal is completely completely different. A real ally to the LGBTQIA+ group, Modal has turn out to be the go-to spot for Queer locals and guests. From internet hosting occasions and charity fundraising to offering a voice for these discriminated in opposition to due to their sexuality. It’s no marvel they have been topped probably the most Extraordinary Inclusive Hostel in our 2021 HOSCARs! We sat down with the hostel’s Proprietor and Normal Supervisor, Joe Hindman, to study their journey and discover out how one can get entangled.
Inspiring LGBTQIA+ individuals to be their genuine self
Born in Greenville to a strict non secular group, Joe suppressed his personal id till the age of 25, when his expertise travelling and staying in hostels gave him the arrogance to come back out as a homosexual man. Impressed to construct his personal hostel again residence to recreate that feeling for others, and with no homosexual bars or assembly locations in his metropolis, Joe wished to create an area for illustration and visibility for numerous teams.
Earlier than they opened, Modal made it their mission to make use of a various workforce and encourage visitors from all backgrounds and identities to go to. When he got here out, Joe met others who claimed that seeing how open and vocal he was about his id impressed them to embrace theirs. And with a employees member suggesting they organise a Queer night time, became Modal changing into the place to be for the Queer group. Now, they run weekly Queer nights each Thursday to deliver individuals collectively for occasions like drag exhibits.
Supporting nonprofits in serving the group
With the occasions changing into well-liked, Modal led the primary Satisfaction of their metropolis, internet hosting occasions all through June from the hostel. They’re now the primary assembly place for Satisfaction yearly.
However they didn’t cease there. Assembly nonprofits that serve the LGBTQIA+ group, Modal found the broader points individuals locally face. From these displaced from their houses or kicked out of college for his or her id, to healthcare help for sexually transmitted ailments. To assist increase consciousness of the nonprofits, Modal launched their Queer Nonprofit Showcase, a good on the hostel the place organisations can share the help companies they provide.
Modal works with one nonprofit particularly, 864Pride, that gives psychological well being help, meals, clothes, and funding for healthcare to LGBTQIA+ individuals in disaster. With homeless shelters usually not welcoming or discriminating in opposition to individuals of sure identities, Modal supplies secure housing the place all persons are welcomed and celebrated. They’ve helped round a dozen individuals this yr and fundraised to get them again on their toes, even providing some individuals jobs. This hostel’s generosity really is aware of no bounds!
Championing Queer artists
Topped LGBTQIA+ Enterprise of the Yr by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Modal labored with the Chamber to create a Queer Arts Initiative. As we mentioned, Greenville is teeming with artwork and creatives, however Queer artists are sometimes ignored of alternatives for tasks like murals and performances because of native opinion. Modal got down to change that, making a subcommittee within the Chamber which focuses on serving to Queer artists get a seat on the desk. Beginning by internet hosting artists on the gallery of their hostel, they’ve now raised $10,000 to provide artists entry to assets and to create their very own exhibits.
How travellers can get entangled
Modal is a shining beacon of sunshine for inclusivity and variety. Whereas they accomplish that a lot for the LGBTQIA+ group, they welcome individuals from all walks of life. By selecting to remain there you’re contributing to a enterprise that’s bringing a lot positivity to the world.
The hostel itself is gorgeous, and as you’ll be able to inform, their occasion schedule is jam-packed! While you stroll by way of their doorways, you’ll be launched to their Queer Artwork Showcase (the place the artwork is offered for buy), occasions and sociable espresso store/bar the place travellers and locals mingle and make associates.
Why range and inclusion is so essential
As Joe put it, we journey in hostels for that social reference to others, however that interplay must really feel secure. As an LGBTQIA+ particular person travelling, discrimination may be round any nook, however realizing you could be your self and really feel relaxed at your hostel is the true key to a optimistic expertise. No tradition, race, age, intercourse, orientation, or id is best than one other, we’re all human in search of that human connection as we navigate the world. And in our opinion, each enterprise may take a rainbow-coloured leaf out of Modal’s e book.
🏠 To e book your keep at Modal, click here.
🏳🌈 To get entangled of their occasions or others in Greenville, click here or observe them on Instagram.
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