NEW YORK, NY — (June 2022) - At The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) we celebrate Pride along with our community and are proud to champion individuality, diversity, inclusion and equality 365 days a year.
Find out what some of our LHW family has to say about why celebrating Pride is important to them:
“For me, the annual celebration of Pride inspires a profound sense of gratitude. I am forever grateful to those pioneers who came before me who were unwilling to accept anything less than equality so that I, and millions like me, could have the privilege to live authentically. At the same time, I also feel a profound sense of responsibility to continue that fight for equality not only for my LGBTQ+ community but for all communities that continue to struggle for the most basic of human rights.”
- Shannon Knapp, President & Chief Executive Officer, United States
“Pride is such an important moment of the year for me, and I always celebrate it - even if in my own way. It is an inspiring time to express gratefulness to the LGBTQ+ rights movement for their constant fight to make our life much easier. More broadly, Pride is a celebration of happiness against the odds, of keeping our heads up and moving forward despite the obstacles, of the freedom to choose who we are! I wish a Happy Pride to everyone!”
- Brice Cicconetti, Director of Business Performance, Spain
“As a privileged member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it is important to uphold and celebrate Pride in honor of the many giants that came before us and fought hard to lay the groundwork, and all those that still do so very bravely today so that we can have more freedom to live our individual and unique truths. It is important to remember that this should never be taken for granted. This motivates me to keep up the good fight on behalf of generations to come, so that each one is one step closer to full equality and peace. Our work is not done, and we stand strong!”
- George Chiminazzo, Sales Manager, Brazil
“It’s important that my sons take pride in our two-mom family structure. Attending family-oriented Pride celebrations in New York City helps them see that we’re not alone and that there are families just like ours. Additionally, Pride highlights that it’s ok to be different and we should accept and be kind to each other regardless of what our differences are. Ultimately, we’re all citizens of the world!”
- Pamela Ezeta, Senior Manager, Group Sales, East Coast - North America, United States
“It’s important to celebrate Pride by remembering those who came before us, who were arrested, traumatized, and criminalized for living their lives and loving who they loved. Pride thanks them for the hurdles they climbed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. Same sex marriage became legal in New York on June 24, 2011- only 11 years ago - and my wife and I married in December of that year. But it wasn’t until June 26, 2015 - four years later - that it became federally legal. When you look at the timeline it’s not that long ago, and we need to celebrate and give thanks.”
- Michele Fiorentino, Senior Travel Reservationist, United States
“We have heard the term “hiding in the closet.” And for many it was true, because we were made to feel ashamed of who we were and how we identify. Celebrating Pride for me is doing exactly that - being Proud - and finally being able to stand and be Proud of who I am and who I love.”
- Tai Okotai, Travel Reservationist, Australia
“Celebrating Pride is important to me because, sadly, we still live in a world where people are targeted, mistreated and harmed just because of who they are. Celebrating is a way to show the world that we exist and that we deserve to be here, and we’re not leaving!
- Felipe Gondra, Senior Sales Coordinator, Brazil
“I am a proud ally! Before joining LHW, I worked for years for a company focused on inclusivity and diversity, and specifically elevating women-owned businesses. With my experience, I decided to spread my support to other diverse groups so, in my free time, I support the LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Brazil by pursuing the goal of leveraging business between LGBTQ+ business-owners and large corporations.”
- Priscila Mazochi, Marketing Manager, LATAM, Brazil
“This year, the theme of my children's school party was the Rainbow Party. It was a perfect opportunity to talk about Pride and celebrate it within the school and as a family with them. My children are 3 and 5 years old and some of the kids in their class have 2 moms or 2 dads. For them it is just normal and there is not even a topic. One day when they are older, I will explain to them that it hasn't always been easy for the LGBTQ+ community to be accepted and to assume their choices, but today I am proud that my children don't question it and just find it the norm to have 2 moms or 2 dads. “
- Lise Veinand, Global Communications Manager, France
“Pride is deeply rooted into our vivid culture here in Amsterdam, it’s just in our nature to adjust bathrobes to gender, or to use appropriate pronouns upon check-in. But when the canal parade hits Amsterdam with a rainbow-explosion, we do celebrate in style: rosé-all-day in our beautiful garden!”
- Max Dijkema, Sales and Marketing Manager—The Dylan Amsterdam, A Member of the Leading Hotels of the World
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About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit:
www.lhw.com, Facebook at
@LeadingHotels, Twitter at
@LeadingHotels and Instagram
@leadinghotelsoftheworld.
