Just curious as I know there are a number of the LGBTQI+ community on here, will your travel plans be impacted by the VA/Qatar tie up given the Qatar government will stone days for being themselves?
I don't think so. Qatar (airline) wants to expand and get bigger and Qatar is so active in getting a better reputation and be seen as a holiday destination. The usual cautiousness - behave well and if you don't do any silly things or stuff where they'll obviously have to step in (public kissing, handholding and such) nothing will happen.
I did a trip to Oman, Qatar, and UAE just 6 months ago flying with Qatar, and no issue at all and not even any suspicious looks or eyebrow raises when 2 men were showing up anywhere.
Last editedby Hellboy666 at Nov 13, 2024, 01:40 PM.
I am an openly trans woman, and such is my contempt for Qantas (my contempt is unrelated to being transgender) that Virgin Australia will be my airline of choice domestically. I will no doubt fly Qantas domestically in the future, one should never say never, but it will be the exception rather than the rule. The VA tie up with QR from a transgender perspective is not ideal, but not a deal breaker. And Qantas does have a close relationship with Emirates. I will be flying with Virgin domestically, so I will be protected by Australian values and laws. I did fly Rex a few times this year, they were a fabulous airline, and I am still saddened that they no longer fly B737 services.
Internationally, however, I simply refuse to fly on any Middle Eastern airline (Saudia, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Gulf Air, Egypt Air), nor will I fly on Royal Brunei. I will not be using Qantas to Europe, I fear my flight being cancelled and being rebooked onto an Emirates flight. And VA will be funneling passengers onto QR which I will be avoiding.
As a gay man and former diplomat, I would be incredibly hesitant to fly any MEA.
Things in undemocratic countries can turn on a dime, and once you’re in their airspace or on their aircraft you’re essentially in their country.
There are plenty of examples of aircraft being forced to land or turn-around and return to a hostile regime because of who is on-board.
Qatar in particular has been no friend to the LGBTQIA+ community, even with their own staff to the extent of setting up a Grindr sting so they could throw a foreign national crew member in jail on fabricated charges.
The Qatari State funds many entities this country considers hostile and the idea that profits from Virgin/Qatar Airways flow directly into the coffers of Qatar is unpalatable.
It’s got nothing to do with not doing “silly stuff” and everything to do with state/religious ideology and political relationships with other countries at any given point in time.
The overwhelming majority of trips are incident free but for the same reasons any parents on here wouldn’t like their teenage daughter subject to an involuntary gynaecological examination, members of the LGBTQIA+ community wouldn’t like to be paraded before religious courts, the local press or locked up simply for being who they are.
I am an openly trans woman, and such is my contempt for Qantas (my contempt is unrelated to being transgender) that Virgin Australia will be my airline of choice domestically. I will no doubt fly Qantas domestically in the future, one should never say never, but it will be the exception rather than the rule. The VA tie up with QR from a transgender perspective is not ideal, but not a deal breaker. And Qantas does have a close relationship with Emirates. I will be flying with Virgin domestically, so I will be protected by Australian values and laws. I did fly Rex a few times this year, they were a fabulous airline, and I am still saddened that they no longer fly B737 services.
Internationally, however, I simply refuse to fly on any Middle Eastern airline (Saudia, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Gulf Air, Egypt Air), nor will I fly on Royal Brunei. I will not be using Qantas to Europe, I fear my flight being cancelled and being rebooked onto an Emirates flight. And VA will be funneling passengers onto QR which I will be avoiding.
I hate to knock you down a peg or two, but all these MEA care about is getting you to your destination. They don't care about who you make out with in bed, as long as it's not on their plane or in their airport concourse. This may come as as shock to some people's sexual identity egos. But it is what it is. Fly them, or don't fly them. And I say this to you as a 'not-so-straight' person myself(!)
They may not know your sexuality, but one must surely have principles one stands by. As a gay man that includes not giving my business to nations (or their government owned businesses) that have laws that overtly seek to restrict my liberty; the basic freedoms others might take for granted. In this instance, that includes all the ME carriers. So yes, the VA/QR tie up is concerning. As was the QF/EK iteration. But these days it seems there is no room for principle, let alone the moral high ground, in business.
I hate to knock you down a peg or two, but all these MEA care about is getting you to your destination. They don't care about who you make out with in bed, as long as it's not on their plane or in their airport concourse. This may come as as shock to some people's sexual identity egos. But it is what it is. Fly them, or don't fly them. And I say this to you as a 'not-so-straight' person myself(!)
Good to see someone with some self-awareness on this site!
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
Many countries with totalitarian regimes have secret or religious police positioned everywhere, it would surprise you.
Many of these regimes have vast data-collection operations that they ‘bank’ for future use should political circumstances change, and almost all of them play a long-game.
Hotels popular with westerners would have informants same with shopping malls, cafes and so on.
It might sound far-fetched but it’s not.
The overwhelming majority of trips through these regions occur without incident, but it’s the nefarious activities of the regimes in control that are the biggest risk.
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
When I flew with Qatar, they were insistent I advised an emergency contact before allowing me to board. This was done at the gate in Doha after a transfer from British Airways.
During the transfer, I simply snoozed in the lounge and text my husband a few times. The texts were bland.
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
Oh man I’m sorry, you have no idea what it’s like to be gay in this world.
For example, being harassed by security during a transfer simply because me and my now husband were ticketed and travelling together. It was a very scary experience.
Been flying them for years. Every country has their own issues/rights and quite frankly it's hard to fly anywhere if I let my own personal desires or ways of thinking and/or being get in the way. Yea I'm a raging homo.
They may not know your sexuality, but one must surely have principles one stands by. As a gay man that includes not giving my business to nations (or their government owned businesses) that have laws that overtly seek to restrict my liberty; the basic freedoms others might take for granted. In this instance, that includes all the ME carriers. So yes, the VA/QR tie up is concerning. As was the QF/EK iteration. But these days it seems there is no room for principle, let alone the moral high ground, in business.
Wow , im sure the mid east airlines are highly concerned that a few alphabet people refuse to fly with them.
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
John see the comment above about Qatar doing a Grindr sting. If they wish to they will find out. Too many people find out about the reach of Middle East governments too late.
James11
James11
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Aug 2015
Total posts 4
Just curious as I know there are a number of the LGBTQI+ community on here, will your travel plans be impacted by the VA/Qatar tie up given the Qatar government will stone days for being themselves?
Hellboy666
Hellboy666
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 May 2018
Total posts 29
I don't think so. Qatar (airline) wants to expand and get bigger and Qatar is so active in getting a better reputation and be seen as a holiday destination. The usual cautiousness - behave well and if you don't do any silly things or stuff where they'll obviously have to step in (public kissing, handholding and such) nothing will happen.
I did a trip to Oman, Qatar, and UAE just 6 months ago flying with Qatar, and no issue at all and not even any suspicious looks or eyebrow raises when 2 men were showing up anywhere.
Becky1
Becky1
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 04 May 2018
Total posts 34
I am an openly trans woman, and such is my contempt for Qantas (my contempt is unrelated to being transgender) that Virgin Australia will be my airline of choice domestically. I will no doubt fly Qantas domestically in the future, one should never say never, but it will be the exception rather than the rule. The VA tie up with QR from a transgender perspective is not ideal, but not a deal breaker. And Qantas does have a close relationship with Emirates. I will be flying with Virgin domestically, so I will be protected by Australian values and laws. I did fly Rex a few times this year, they were a fabulous airline, and I am still saddened that they no longer fly B737 services.
Internationally, however, I simply refuse to fly on any Middle Eastern airline (Saudia, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Gulf Air, Egypt Air), nor will I fly on Royal Brunei. I will not be using Qantas to Europe, I fear my flight being cancelled and being rebooked onto an Emirates flight. And VA will be funneling passengers onto QR which I will be avoiding.
nixjet
nixjet
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jan 2013
Total posts 31
As a gay man and former diplomat, I would be incredibly hesitant to fly any MEA.
Things in undemocratic countries can turn on a dime, and once you’re in their airspace or on their aircraft you’re essentially in their country.
There are plenty of examples of aircraft being forced to land or turn-around and return to a hostile regime because of who is on-board.
Qatar in particular has been no friend to the LGBTQIA+ community, even with their own staff to the extent of setting up a Grindr sting so they could throw a foreign national crew member in jail on fabricated charges.
The Qatari State funds many entities this country considers hostile and the idea that profits from Virgin/Qatar Airways flow directly into the coffers of Qatar is unpalatable.
It’s got nothing to do with not doing “silly stuff” and everything to do with state/religious ideology and political relationships with other countries at any given point in time.
The overwhelming majority of trips are incident free but for the same reasons any parents on here wouldn’t like their teenage daughter subject to an involuntary gynaecological examination, members of the LGBTQIA+ community wouldn’t like to be paraded before religious courts, the local press or locked up simply for being who they are.
The risks are not worth it, IMO.
SCM
SCM
Member since 28 Sep 2022
Total posts 1
Originally Posted by Becky1
I am an openly trans woman, and such is my contempt for Qantas (my contempt is unrelated to being transgender) that Virgin Australia will be my airline of choice domestically. I will no doubt fly Qantas domestically in the future, one should never say never, but it will be the exception rather than the rule. The VA tie up with QR from a transgender perspective is not ideal, but not a deal breaker. And Qantas does have a close relationship with Emirates. I will be flying with Virgin domestically, so I will be protected by Australian values and laws. I did fly Rex a few times this year, they were a fabulous airline, and I am still saddened that they no longer fly B737 services.
Internationally, however, I simply refuse to fly on any Middle Eastern airline (Saudia, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Gulf Air, Egypt Air), nor will I fly on Royal Brunei. I will not be using Qantas to Europe, I fear my flight being cancelled and being rebooked onto an Emirates flight. And VA will be funneling passengers onto QR which I will be avoiding.
sunnybrae
sunnybrae
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 21 Jul 2019
Total posts 90
I hate to knock you down a peg or two, but all these MEA care about is getting you to your destination. They don't care about who you make out with in bed, as long as it's not on their plane or in their airport concourse. This may come as as shock to some people's sexual identity egos. But it is what it is. Fly them, or don't fly them. And I say this to you as a 'not-so-straight' person myself(!)
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 262
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 41
Dear John
They may not know your sexuality, but one must surely have principles one stands by. As a gay man that includes not giving my business to nations (or their government owned businesses) that have laws that overtly seek to restrict my liberty; the basic freedoms others might take for granted. In this instance, that includes all the ME carriers. So yes, the VA/QR tie up is concerning. As was the QF/EK iteration. But these days it seems there is no room for principle, let alone the moral high ground, in business.
vhojm
vhojm
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Oct 2019
Total posts 82
Originally Posted by sunnybrae
I hate to knock you down a peg or two, but all these MEA care about is getting you to your destination. They don't care about who you make out with in bed, as long as it's not on their plane or in their airport concourse. This may come as as shock to some people's sexual identity egos. But it is what it is. Fly them, or don't fly them. And I say this to you as a 'not-so-straight' person myself(!)
nixjet
nixjet
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jan 2013
Total posts 31
Originally Posted by John Phelan
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
Many of these regimes have vast data-collection operations that they ‘bank’ for future use should political circumstances change, and almost all of them play a long-game.
Hotels popular with westerners would have informants same with shopping malls, cafes and so on.
It might sound far-fetched but it’s not.
The overwhelming majority of trips through these regions occur without incident, but it’s the nefarious activities of the regimes in control that are the biggest risk.
Nalanji
Nalanji
Member since 28 Mar 2018
Total posts 27
Originally Posted by John Phelan
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
During the transfer, I simply snoozed in the lounge and text my husband a few times. The texts were bland.
I am male and my emergency contact is my husband.
The experience made me feel uneasy.
dm12
dm12
Member since 08 Feb 2018
Total posts 211
Originally Posted by John Phelan
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)
Oh man I’m sorry, you have no idea what it’s like to be gay in this world.
For example, being harassed by security during a transfer simply because me and my now husband were ticketed and travelling together. It was a very scary experience.
Firstworldissues
Firstworldissues
Member since 02 Mar 2019
Total posts 16
Been flying them for years. Every country has their own issues/rights and quite frankly it's hard to fly anywhere if I let my own personal desires or ways of thinking and/or being get in the way. Yea I'm a raging homo.
I'll keep flying them. Never had an issue.
FFScientist
FFScientist
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 Jun 2019
Total posts 29
Originally Posted by vbarberini
Dear John
They may not know your sexuality, but one must surely have principles one stands by. As a gay man that includes not giving my business to nations (or their government owned businesses) that have laws that overtly seek to restrict my liberty; the basic freedoms others might take for granted. In this instance, that includes all the ME carriers. So yes, the VA/QR tie up is concerning. As was the QF/EK iteration. But these days it seems there is no room for principle, let alone the moral high ground, in business.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 737
Originally Posted by John Phelan
How on earth will they know your sexuality? (Unless you make a big deal of highlighting it .....)