Category Is Inclusivity: This Airline's Staff Can Choose Uniforms Regardless of Gender

(SPOT.ph) It's another win for the LGBTQ+ community as British airline Virgin Atlantic revamped their uniform policy in an inclusive move that permits staff to dress in a way that best reflects who they are, regardless of gender norms.

The new gender identity policy is a first among airlines and allows flight attendants and staff to wear whichever uniform they please to best represent their identity, as it removes requirement for people to wear gendered uniforms.

Optional pronoun badges will also be handed to employees so passengers can refer to them by their preferred pronouns.

In the Philippines, Cebu Pacific has a hiring policy that does not discriminate based on gender. It was the first in the country to employ trans women as flight attendants.

Why it matters

"[The] Be yourself campaign means absolutely everything to me, I get to be myself, a non-binary person. I have a choice of a uniform, which is a massively big thing. It’s so important. This policy allows everyone to have a seat at the table," said Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member Jamie Forsstrom.

Designed by Vivienne Westwood and launched in 2014, the Virgin Atlantic uniform comes in skirt and pants versions. The iteration assigned to ladies is a skirt with a matching blazer, both dipped in bold, bright red. Recent photos show the jacket can also be paired with pants in the same shade.

The version for men is a four-piece set that includes a coat and trousers in deep maroon, with a grey vest buttoned over a longsleeved shirt, accented by dark piping and the signature red tie.

Westwood's designs will remain, but employees will now be granted the chance to choose which set to wear as they take flight.

"I wanted to be involved in this campaign to effect change in this world. I have a trans non-binary child, so for me, changing the world is my job as a mum and as a friend and an ally," said television personality Michelle Visage.

"I feel fabulous, fierce, and ferocious, and I am ready to take flight," Visage added.

"It’s not taking away from anyone," said Tyreece Nye, a non-binary performer and activist. "It’s just allowing everyone from the community to just have a voice."

"It’s not about cancelling people, it’s not about removing women or men. It’s just more about inclusive language," said Alison Porte, a Virgin Atlantic First Officer.

Prior to the new policy, staff had to wear uniforms based on their assigned sex at birth. Women, regardless of gender identity and expression were required to wear the skirt or pants with the red jacket. The same goes for men, who had to wear the maroon set.

This means cisgender women and men can stick to the assigned uniform if they wish, all the while making room for non-binary staff to choose.

"My pronouns are to be fair, any pronouns. I look good, I'm not going to lie. I feel very suave. I put it on and I said “yeah.” It just feels very much like me, like I feel very affirmed in this. I just feel like myself. I love it," said Tanya Compas, a youth worker & LGBTQ+ Activist.

Ideally, staff's external appearance should not affect service, hospitality, and professionalism while on the job.

"If we are clean and we are pressed and we are looking the way we’re supposed to look, then why aren’t we able to present as we identify? And that’s what’s so beautiful about Virgin," Visage said.