Dallas Airbnb host refuses gay couple to book stay • Hollywood Unlocked
An Airbnb host in Dallas is being investigated after apparently refusing a gay couple to book a stay.
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Curtis Kimberlin Jr revealed the host’s response when he told them he and his boyfriend would be booking the stay for a wedding on January 7. He writes, ‘Hi Peter! My partner and I are going into town for a weekend wedding and we are so excited. It will be my first time in Texas and my partner is from Dallas so he will show me around. We will be flying out on Thursday evening and landing in Lovefield at 7pm and then heading towards us. He further explained that they will be off the Airbnb for most of Friday touring the area and Saturday for the wedding.
I love trying to book a @Airbnb with my boyfriend in Dallas and have this be the first response to our reservation. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/vVN9w1UW1P
— Curtis Kimberlin Jr (@ckimberlinjr) January 7, 2023
In response, host Peter asked him “So I’m going to host two men who sleep together…right?” Kimberlin said the host declined her booking request shortly after and explained to NBC 5 that he was stunned by the host’s reaction but has a habit of hiding his sexuality from conservatives.
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“I was shocked, for sure, but I’m also a bit used to having to hide parts of myself to calm the reactions of conservatives to my identity. I was not completely surprised, even less disappointed.
After posting the tweet, his followers called on Airbnb to suspend Peter for denying the couple based on his personal opinions and Airbnb said in response that he was currently under investigation while under suspension. Hilton Hotels offered the couple a staycation after learning of the viral tweet.
Curtis – if you and your partner still need help with a vacation, we’ve got you covered! Thank you for meeting us in DM! 🫶
—Hilton (@Hilton) January 9, 2023
AirBnB is an absolute trash fire.
Book a hotel/motel.
It’s cheaper and they don’t discriminate.
— Mayor Konstantine Anthony🌹♿🧠 (@KonstantineinCA) January 9, 2023
@Airbnb how does your company apply anti-discrimination to protect customers from experiences like this – or from entering a potentially dangerous situation? Traveling as an LGBTQ person/couple is not always safe and likely not an isolated issue
— Matthew Michael (@matty_michaelb) January 8, 2023
I have had friends who were “escorted” off a property with a shotgun when the “hosts” figured out they were gay. I *always* check in advance now (when I *must* use AirBnB or VRBO) that they are queer and trans friendly, for our own safety.
— Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari ♿️🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈✡️ (@DrShannaK) January 8, 2023
Kimberlin and her boyfriend accepted free accommodation from Hilton and said they were happy with the customer service. The couple are still planning to travel to Dallas for the wedding amid news of the host’s suspension.
“If you’re not comfortable around people who look different from you or have an identity different from yours, then don’t go on Airbnb.”
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