Pink Flamingo Continues Education

By Caro Hernandez, Project Facilitator, YES Institute

Hotel managers, concierges, and staff came together last week for another YES Institute Community Dialogue at the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) for the Pink Flamingo Certification Program.

Steve Adkins, the President and CEO of MDGLCC, and Rachel Sottile the Executive Director of YES Institute, created a unique approach for the pioneering Pink Flamingo Certification Program - a program designed for the hospitality and tourism industry committed to creating a welcoming environment for Miami Beach visitors, residents, employees, and families.

Businesses and hotels that become Pink Flamingo certified have their entire staff participate in an educational dialogue on gender and orientation by YES Institute.  Participants, many for the first time, have an opportunity to converse with speakers who identify as gay and/or transgender and learn about their travel-related experiences.

The dialogue also covers practical situations that can arise for tourism personnel. A key component of the presentation explores how language can either foster relatedness or create disconnection. Instead of saying, “Is your husband/wife joining you at the lounge today?” concierges learn the benefits of asking, “Is someone special joining you at the lounge today?” Also, participants explore situations when someone's name on their drivers license doesn't match the name on the hotel booking. This conversation supports a more friendly and less awkward experience for transgender patrons.

Many hotels across Miami-Dade are participating in the program. 

One participant said, “I love that there’s movement toward education on gender and orientation in the hospitality world - it’s a huge need.” Another participant said, “The training was very informative. It will help me communicate better with my staff and create an environment where all of my guests feel comfortable.”

For more information about the Pink Flamingo program, please contact Cindy at 305-397-8914 or email cindy@gogaymiami.com