Gay Tourist Victimisation

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of gay tourist victimisation, from the viewpoint of gay tourists. A review of literature suggests that the victimisation of gay men as tourists has received little attention. This is despite the fact that both tourists in general and gay men are highly likely to suffer criminal victimisation. The paper questions whether taking these findings together suggests that gay tourists suffer particularly higher levels of victimisation. A qualitative survey of a sample of gay tourists is undertaken with two rounds of interviews. The findings suggest that gay tourists do suffer high levels of victimisation on holiday, though measurement difficulties prevent generalisations. In common with other research, it is also found that: incidents are not reported (for fear of further victimisation in some cases); the types of crime are similar to those suffered by other tourists with additional homophobic related crimes; the lifestyle choices of gay men influence victimisation; offenders of homophobic crimes are more likely to be other tourists; and gay men are often discriminated against by the tourism industry. The paper concludes by arguing that, although a complex issue, experience and fear of victimisation influence the holiday decision-making processes of gay men.