FabStayz, a new website launched by a former Airbnb ‘superhost’ aims to do for members of the LGBTQ community what the Green Book once did for African-American travelers: Insure that they will be welcome where they stay for the night or week.
Robert Geller, founder of the website, says that gay travelers, especially couples, often find themselves less than welcome or even refused, or feel they have to ‘come out to strangers’ by asking ahead if the host is alright with them.
His plan is to line up vacation rental hosts who are either part of the LGBTQ community or are allies and welcoming, and then matching their listings with travelers using the site. To be sure of the listings, Geller has recruited them on other rental platforms; hosts must have at least seven months of listings on Airbnb, Homeaway or VRBO, with 10 highly-favorable reviews. They also sign on to FabStayz inclusion and diversity agreement.
