Social Sustainability in Hospitality: Transgender Inclusion as a Pathway to Sustainable Development

Ranjit Kumar; Monika Singh; GK Sreenivasan

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i1151-159

Authors

Ranjit Kumar Independent Researcher, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sarsaul, Kanpur Nagar
Monika Singh Research Scholar, Department of Management, Bundelkhand University, Kanpur Road, Jhansi
GK Sreenivasan Assistant Professor, ITHM, Bundelkhand University, Kanpur Road, Jhansi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i1151-159

Keywords:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Diversity Management, Transgender Community, LGBT, Policies and Laws

Abstract

The article discussed the Social Sustainability in Hospitality: Transgender Inclusion as a Pathway to Sustainable Development, and as the author remarks, inclusive institutional practices can lead to long-term social equity in the hospitality sector. Based on the analysis of interdisciplinary literature, policy framework, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the paper examines the historical marginalization of transgender communities, the changing status of legal recognition, diversity management practices, and HRM strategies. The results show that the concept of social sustainability reaches past the environmental and economic aspects to privacy, equity and institutional responsibility. In spite of progressive laws and organizational efforts, systemic barriers, stigmatization, and implementation do not allow being successfully included meaningfully. Considering the service nature and people-oriented nature of the hospitality industry, it has a transformative potential in terms of promoting gender justice by formulating inclusive policies, sensitizing, and by facilitating enabling workplace cultures. By aligning diversity management with SDGs, and especially Goals 5, 10 and 16, social cohesion will be enhanced and equitable participation ensured. The review highlights the importance of institutionalizing gender-heterogeneous identities on the governance frameworks of hospitality system as a means of sustainable development.

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