Last week, NBC Channel 5 reported that a same-sex couple visiting Dallas for a wedding was denied their AirbnbA reservation. The site launched an investigation into the host as they company stated they have a strict non-discrimination policy.
The exchange between the guest and host went like this:
According to reporters Jacob Reyes and Candace Sweat, the couple was soon rejected after this messaging.
From NBC:
“I was shocked for sure, but I am also somewhat used to having to hide certain parts of myself to calm conservative folks’ reactions to my identities,” Kimberlin told NBC 5. “I wasn’t completely surprised, more so disappointed.”
After Kimberlin posted the exchange on social media, readers called on the company to take action. In a statement to NBC 5, Airbnb said the host had been suspended from the platform as they launch an investigation into the matter. Additionally, Airbnb reached out to the guests impacted.
“We enforce a strict nondiscrimination policy, and when a potential violation of this policy is brought to our attention, we investigate and take action, up to removal from our community,” the company said in a statement.
Later in the piece, the host only known as “Pete” stated that he declined the two not based on their orientation, but that he felt concerned for his safety.
Read and watch NBC’s report here.
–From staff reports
My husband and I would gladly welcome you to our airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/54246267. I reached out to you on instagram to offer a free stay if you haven’t soured on Dallas. We have an incredibly strong gay community and we support each other like I’ve never seen in another city.
Unfortunately, every gay couple has a story like yours. We still get treated differently in housing, employment, churches, stores, and restaurants. Thanks for being brave and speaking out.
Being Gay is not being Brave
Stop promoting this in schools
It’s perverted and weird why people are pushing for kids to be gay.