Jamie Biesiada
Mike Plumton, owner of Happy Factory in Philadelphia, knows what it's like to feel like you don't belong.
"As a gay kid in rural Canada, I hid a part of myself, I minimized my feelings and I carried shame in relationships," Plumton said on stage at the recent CoNexion 2025. "As an adult, I've been told directly that I do not belong. I've learned to de-gay in public spaces, to stay quiet in certain places and distance myself when I felt unsafe."
Plumton acknowledged it's not a unique story. Indeed, it's one shared by many communities around the world, and he's on a mission to make travel more inclusive to all.
"I'm not here only talking to the gay community, but I see you out there," he said. "I'm also not here as a representative of the entire LGBTQ community. I'm here to highlight how many people are unheard and unseen, and why that should matter to every single one of us."
Assume nothing, ask questions
Plumton was giving a NEXtalk at Nexion Travel Group's annual conference, the host agency's version of TED Talks. A handful of advisors, Plumton included, were asked to the stage; he focused on why inclusive travel matters and how advisors can be more inclusive in their own businesses.
The easiest approach to being more inclusive, he said, is to assume nothing and ask open-ended questions.
"Two women ask about booking a trip," he said as an example. "Instead of guessing what their relationship is, ask, 'How do you two know each other, and how would you like your room set up?" he said.
For his own business, Plumton said he focuses on destinations that have "predictable boundaries" where clients can know what to expect, like cruises and theme parks.
He's made inclusion a pillar in his own business, and he always looks for ways to work with suppliers and other advisors to make change in the industry. He was also involved in the founding of advisory group Travel with Pride.
For Plumton, it has paid off.
"I know that I'm exchanging more than dollars," he said. "I'm creating better experiences."
Funnily enough, a lot of his clientele continues to be older white women, but he's increasingly attracting more clients of color and clients with different sexual orientations.
"They know I'm a safe space," he said.
How to be an ally
He encouraged other advisors to make inclusion a base part of their business models. He also encouraged them to be an ally for someone who is different; that could be anyone from the queer community, to single parents, to people with different abilities.
Allyship, Plumton said, is about educating yourself and always highlighting the photos and stories of different people, not just during months designed to celebrate different groups.
"Trust me, you will attract good people," he said. "You'll learn more stories. Your clients might ask more questions, and you will be set up to have those conversations. You will grow as a human. It's all good stuff."