ALL PROUD IN MONTEREY COUNTY
Industry Leaders Discuss PRIDE – What It Means to Them, How They Plan to Celebrate in Monterey County and Insight on LGBTQ+ Travel.
As the rainbow flag waives high above City Hall, we want to take a moment to celebrate PRIDE with meeting industry leaders across the nation. Together we're ALL Inspired, ALL Inclusive and ALL PROUD.
We're fortunate to have insight from Kyle Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings for INFORMS and Chair of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association; Charles Bello, CDS, Senior Vice President & Team Director of ConferenceDirect; Ms. Kris Ritualo, Sr. State & Community Engagement Specialist for AARP; Josh San Julian, Senior Manager, Marketing Events for Upwork; Eric Nicoll, Lifestyle Architect & Corporate Meeting Planner; and Josh Adams, Industry Relations Strategist with streamlinevents.
Why PRIDE is Meaningful
For me, PRIDE is that special time where an individual can give themselves permission to be their true, authentic self. To the world and most importantly to themselves.
-Charles Bello, CDS
Pride represents a powerful celebration of diversity, inclusion and belonging. It's an important reminder of the progress our community has made in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and a recognition and now more than ever, of the ongoing work that still needs to be done. Local pride events create an amazing sense of empowerment and visibility for individuals who have historically been marginalized while honoring and embracing the spectrum of identities that exist within our communities.
-Kyle Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES
It's a time to celebrate, connect with the community, be prideful in who you are and remind ourselves of how far our community has come - and keep vigilant in the fight.
-Josh San Julian
PRIDE is meaningful in that it recognizes and celebrates the inclusion of all people who make up the tapestry of our community. When people are able to show and feel their pride, our communities are enriched by allowing our full potential to be expressed.
-Josh Adams
PRIDE is a celebration of acceptance from people - where many can express themselves fully.
-Ms. Kris Ritualo
For me personally, PRIDE serves as a reminder of the beautiful diversity that our community holds. PRIDE, although an everyday experience sends a message to the world that as a community, we are here, strong not only in numbers but in our commitment to creating a safe space for people, from ALL letters of the LGBTQ+ acronym, to express themselves EXACTLY as they are, without judgment, but with love, admiration & respect. PRIDE is a state of being that should shine through every day, but in some parts of the country / world, it is suppressed, discouraged or even banned. PRIDE days across the country and around the world allow our beautiful community to simply be free and fully self-expressed. My hope is one day, that is simply the norm 365 days a year.
-Eric Nicoll
How Would You Celebrate PRIDE in Monterey County?
I would stay at The Hyatt Regency Monterey hotel, ocean view of course, grab a coffee & pastry at Parker-Lusseau, go see my favorite otter exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, take a walk with the dog along 17 Mile Drive and have dinner at Montrio"¦ and that is just day one!
-Eric Nicoll
I would rent bikes and cycle along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail. Stopping along the route for a coffee and morning bun, then a picnic lunch and finishing the day sipping a nice glass of wine as the sun sets.
-Charles Bello, CDS
Eat. Drink. And take in the beautiful scenery.
-Josh San Julian
I love spending time in Monterey with my husband, exploring the coastline, the wineries and the great restaurants in the area. We appreciate that we can be open and accepted as a couple no matter where we go. So, in a sense, we are celebrating ourselves.
-Josh Adams
I would explore and support LGBTQ-friendly hotels, restaurants, etc.
-Ms. Kris Ritualo
I would start by attending the local pride celebration so I could connect with fellow community members, then, I'd hit up the vibrant local LGBTQIA+ scene, seeking out queer-owned businesses while unleashing my inner dancing queen!
-Kyle Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES
To learn more about local pride celebrations, visit Monterey Peninsula Pride:
https://www.montereypeninsulapride.org/
Priorities of an LGBTQ+ traveler
Safety is #1. As an LGBT traveler, I am also looking for a destination that is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. One that provides inclusive marketing and information highlighting local LGBTQ+ events, restaurants, bars and LBGTQ+ owner/operated stores.
-Charles Bello, CDS
I want to feel safe, welcomed, accepted, free to be myself and if I am with someone special, not afraid to be with them freely as well. Simple gestures of LGBTQ+ acceptance go a long way!
-Eric Nicoll
Feeling welcomed to be who you authentically are when away from home. And a fabulous five-star resort.
-Josh San Julian
As an LGBTQIA+ traveler, it's about feeling safe and respected. I want to engage with the local LGBTQ+ community, visit and support queer-friendly establishments and have the freedom to express my identity. I want to feel the warm embrace of a destination that celebrates diversity and treats me with open arms.
-Kyle Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES
Safety and security are my top priority, always.
-Ms. Kris Ritualo
I think the most important thing LGBTQ+ travelers want is safety and acceptance, whether that be checking into a hotel together, holding hands while out in public or otherwise exploring a destination together.
-Josh Adams
Would you recommend Monterey County to an LGBTQ+ traveler?
The relaxing atmosphere of this region matched with the effortless upscale environment is a treat for any traveler.
-Josh San Julian
It is truly one of the most beautiful destinations not only in California but West of the Mississippi. From that small town coastal feel with amazing restaurants, hotels, attractions and epic scenery, it is safe, accepting and a place where you can be free to be yourself. For us Southern Californians it is also a QUCIK get-a-way for a couple to escape the insanity of city living. As you can tell it is truly one of my most favorite destinations and I am blessed to be able to come year after year for work "¦ and a little personal time!
-Eric Nicoll
Absolutely, Monterey County is great choice for LGBTQ+ families. The world-class aquarium and cannery row is perfect for families of all ages.
-Charles Bello, CDS
Glittering beaches, gorgeous coastal drives and charming towns where you can let all of your fabulousness shine!
-Kyle Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES
Monterey is gay-friendly and is short drive from San Francisco. Monterey offers fine dining, arts and culture.
-Ms. Kris Ritualo
Monterey County has so much beauty and world-class venues to explore, paired with an open and inviting environment, I think it is a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list.
-Josh Adams