Vacationers of the Week: Rachel Reese and Emma Cusdin of Global Butterflies

Vacationer Magazine is all about promoting people doing positive things for the LGBTQ+ community and Rachel Reese and Emma Cusdin are doing it! The trans couple is a major force behind Global Butterflies, a consulting organization that educates the corporate world about how to create an inclusive environment for transgender and non-binary employees. Several travel companies could learn a thing or two from them! 

Rachel, CEO and founder of Global Butterflies, was born in London but grew up in Kent, which is where the couple lives now. Emma, the Director of Global Butterflies, was born and raised in Royal Turnbridge Wells. The couple met in London and now reside in Kent. 

Speaking of the UK, Rachel told us that the country is going through a period of organized transphobia by a small but vocal lobby, but “be assured we are working very hard to win the hearts and minds for trans and non-binary inclusion.”

So, we wanted to talk to the couple about their mission to educate and inform others about the transgender and non-binary community. In addition to that, the women chat about ways the travel industry can be more accommodating for trans and non-binary travelers, what surprising places they feel safe visiting, and which music artist one of them enjoys blasting on a road trip.

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Rachel Reese: Wow, that was a long time ago, I think it was when I was 18 and I went to Ibiza!   This was all pre-transition.

Emma Cusdin: I was 17 when I received my first passport, which was also pre-transition for me. My first trip was to Skiathos (an amazing Greek island!) 

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

Rachel: I have family in Toronto, Canada. After transition, they invited me over to stay, as it was a rough time for me. I loved the trip, as Canada is really accepting. I still travel there regularly. In fact, Emma and I got engaged there having dinner at the top of the CN Tower. 

Emma: I have always enjoyed traveling and it was a family holiday to Northern France which ignited my passion for travel. 

What inspires you to travel?

Rachel:  I want to see as much of the world as I can, I am not as well traveled as I would like to be, Emma has been everywhere. I tended to play it safe being a trans woman, but I am working against that now. 

Emma: I love to experience different places, history, and cultures.  I am a massive foodie so experiencing local cuisine drives my passion for travel!

Can you tell us what Global Butterflies is and what sparked your decision to start it? 

Rachel:  Global Butterflies is a trans and non-binary inclusion company. We train only corporate companies to attract, recruit, train, promote and care for trans and non-binary employees. I worked in the legal sector for 15 years as a trans woman, and there were a few transphobic bumps along the way. So Global Butterflies started in that sector. We have worked with 60 law firms. Today, we work with banks, insurers, investment, media, and many other sectors.   

What are some of the pain points or obstacles you have seen when dealing with businesses that are trying to be “diverse” or “inclusive” when it comes to transgender and non-binary folx specifically? 

Rachel: Some organizations see the community as very binary, but as you know non-binary representation in our community is massive. Also, we have seen several extreme anti-trans groups spring up. They are small but loud and well-financed. This has made some organizations nervous about trans and nonbinary inclusion. Happily, many others have realized that trans and non-binary inclusion is truly excellent for business and the right thing to do. 

Emma: A few organizations will think that one single event, on transgender and non-binary inclusion, is that they are there and finished. Like a good trip, transgender and non-binary inclusion is a long journey with many small steps. Transgender and non-binary inclusion should be part of your organization’s DNA and should impact all parts of your organization from customers, employees, senior leaders, prospective employees, and contractors/suppliers.    

What is the one myth(s) you want to dispel about the transgender and non-binary community?  And what are the best ways for other people in the LGBTQ+ community to be allies in your fight?

Rachel: For me, the myth is that we are a threat to women’s rights, which of course we are not. Many of the organizations attacking trans and non-binary are anti-LGBT and anti-women’s right to body autonomy. We have been collaborating with many inclusive women’s groups who understand that some of the anti-trans organizations are not just going to stop with trans and non-binary people, these groups have been fantastic allies. 

Emma: One of the main myths is that there are not many trans and non-binary people. We know that younger generations, especially Gen Z, are far more LGBTQI+ identifying including more transgender and especially non-binary identities. Allies can be amplifying transgender and non-binary voices and make changes to their organizations so that they can attract transgender and non-binary customers and employees. 

In general, what are some ways you think the travel industry can do a better job in making travel a seamless or smoother experience for the transgender and non-binary community?

Rachel: For me, I think listing countries that are safe and inclusive and keeping this data up to date. I want to travel to many counties in the future but understanding how safe they are can be a challenge. 

Emma: I would also add for travel providers and those involved in travel transportation to be more overt and vocal about supporting transgender and non-binary travelers. We have a lot of apprehensions when we travel so reassurance coupled with more training and education would be great for us. 

Rachel, you are also a member of the IGLTAF Transgender Advisory Board. Is there any good news that the board is working on that you can talk about?

Rachel:  I have only just joined and was proud to be asked. I know we have some great plans coming up. I can say that our conference is coming up soon in Milan, Italy on October 27th, check it out. 

Are there travel destinations that most transgender and non-binary travelers would think are not safe to visit, but you have visited and enjoyed them? If so, where? 

Rachel: We have not visited there yet but are hoping to go to Taiwan soon, which is very LGBT-friendly. 

Emma: I love Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Singapore. I am aware that I have Western passport privilege when traveling to these destinations although have always enjoyed the welcome, the places, the people, and the food! 

What are your top three favorite places to visit?

Rachel: Toronto, New York, and South of France, not very adventurous I know, but I feel safe.

Emma: That is hard to answer! I love Switzerland (especially the great skiing) so would opt for Wengen. I adore ancient sites, so it must be Athens and then to finish off with Singapore. 

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

Emma: Japan, Egypt, and India

Rachel:  Japan, Vietnam, and China (I like Emma’s list too!!)

What is one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

Rachel: Smart Speaker. I take it everywhere!

Emma: My HRT (hormone replacement therapy medication)! LOL!

You are going on a road trip. What singer or band is always on your playlist?

Rachel:  On a road trip? Bruce Springsteen (played loud)

Emma: So many to choose from! As a child of the 1980s, it would be Depeche Mode, Eurhythmics, and the Human League. 

What words of encouragement or advice do you have for LGBTQ+ travelers? 

Rachel: If you can travel, do. Visibility is important. Always, check with the LGBT community about the country you are traveling to make sure the local laws have not changed.   Travel, have fun but be safe. 

Emma: Remember to also pack your “Zen” when traveling as keeping your cool and being focused on having a great travel experience will help.