Possible presidential hopeful and American tycoon Donald Trump has one of the most well-known names in the nation. Every one of his projects, from hotels and casinos to entertainment venues, bears the Trump brand: but now, having tarnished that name with gay and lesbian travelers thanks to his anti-gay political stance, Trump may pay the price in painful profit losses from a very valuable demographic.
In response to Trump’s suddenly conservative stance on same-sex marriage – a distinct shift from his unwavering support for civil unions and equality back in 2000 – GLAAD has published an exhaustive list of Trump’s hospitality and entertainment properties and urged LGBT individuals and allies to “consider Trump’s decision to stand against LGBT families when…deciding whether to patronize” any of the establishments in question.
What with an already struggling economy and several floundering properties in prime locations, Trump’s entertainment industry could take a big hit if LGBT travelers opt to boycott his suddenly controversial empire. Gays and lesbians spend approximately $17 billion per year on travel and entertainment and are wooed directly by many major hotels, casinos and airlines – in other words, if Trump puts them off, LGBT travelers have plenty of other and equally luxurious options to choose from.
While some believe that the Trump Industries should not be responsible or penalized for their founder’s political comments, others find it unacceptable to patronize any establishment, no matter how gay-friendly it may seem on the surface, that is owned by a powerful and pointedly anti-equality individual.
When asked whether or not she would promote Trump’s properties, Las Vegas-based A Answer on Travel employee Terry Wilsey stated, “I certainly won’t book anybody there…I think Trump is an idiot and politically dangerous.”
