Pride Month: Inclusion for Seafarers
To be seen and respected as an equal is something many hope will one day become a universally accepted principle. Companies and organizations around the world are working to raise the bar by making inclusion a priority. However, this effort comes with challenges. For every step forward in LGBTQ+ inclusion, obstacles and deeply rooted beliefs can slow progress or, in some cases, even push it backward.
For many in the cruise industry, inclusion is not merely an ethical issue but also one of personal safety. The reality is that much work remains to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ seafarers who are afraid to express who they truly are feel safe enough to do so in their work environment. Significant barriers still stand in the way of progress. We examined some of these challenges and considered how the maritime industry can continue moving toward a more inclusive future.
One major challenge facing LGBTQ+ seafarers in the industry is that more than 60 countries still criminalize relationships between people of the same sex. In some of these nations, such relationships can result in imprisonment, and in the most severe cases, even the death penalty. As a result, many LGBTQ+ crew members choose to keep their identities private, remaining silent about who they are in order to avoid discrimination, harassment, or other problems that could affect their careers and personal well-being. (Lloyd's Register, 2025)
Another factor to take into consideration is that the industry is comprised of roughly 98% male seafarers. Segregation in the work environment can be seen, even though steps are being taken in the industry to improve policies that focus on equity. But gender discrimination is a real issue, and in turn LGBTQ+ discrimination. (Popa, 2025) During 2023, a sharp increase in discrimination and harassment was seen in the cruise industry. Initiatives, like the Pride in Maritime Network, was established to help identify issues that would need change in the LGBTQ+ maritime community. The charity, I Exist Too, is another initiative created to help fight for LGBTQ+ seafarer rights, equity, and work environments that feel safer and more inclusive for LGTBQ+ seafarers. (Maritime UK, 2024)
It is shown that mental health decline is an issue that needs to be taken care of in the industry. “Minority Stress Theory”, explained by Dr. Ilan Meyer, explains that socially driven stressors that are faced by minority groups such as the LGBTQ+ community, is a large reason for the disparities shown in mental health. The two types of stressors that contribute to mental health decline can be seen through external objective experiences of discrimination and prejudice, such as harassment and bullying onboard, and internal subjective experiences like internalized homophobia, where a seafarer absorbs negative messages in their environment, which can cause them to feel self-hatred or guilt. (OneCare Group, 2025)
So, what can be done? Cultivating more open communication between the LGBTQ+ seafarer community while making safer channels for the crew if they need to report any incidents of discrimination or harassment. As part of the communication process, leadership should advocate for any initiatives that promote inclusion. Mandatory training for equality, diversity and inclusion should be implemented to bring more awareness of the importance of an inclusive work environment, while also implementing better anti-discrimination policies to protect LGBTQ+ seafarers. These are steps that gradually can improve the mental health and quality of life of LBTQ+ seafarers in the workspace and a step forward to seeing more inclusion in the industry.
References
Lloyd's Register. (2025, June 30). Beyond the Silence: A wake-up call for LGBT+ inclusion. Retrieved from Lloyd's Regisgter: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/insights-articles/wake-up-call-for-lgbt-inclusion-maritime/
Maritime UK. (2024, June 18). Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Maritime Industry's Journey to Accept LGBTQ Individuals. Retrieved from Maritme UK: https://www.maritimeuk.org/media-centre/news/embracing-diversity-and-inclusion-maritime-industrys-journey-accept-lgbtq-individuals/
OneCare Group. (2025, June 24). OneCare Group. Retrieved from LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Minority Stress, and the Maritime Industry: https://onecaregroup.global/lgbtq-mental-health-minority-stress-and-the-maritime-industry/
Popa, C. (2025, June 11). MDPI. Retrieved from Assessment of Gender Perceptions Onboard Maritime Ships: Case Study on Cruise Lines Industry: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/15/6/225