The aviation industry has made great strides for the LGBTQ+ community over the years, but is more needed?
Equality has been a key issue within the sector that has been pushed, but many say more is still needed in that regard.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The Aviation Industry & The LGBTQ+ Community: An Interview…
To establish this, AviationSource spoke to Richard Walker, the Vice Chair of Aviation Pride UK (APUK).
We spoke to him during Pride Month last month.
We asked about his experiences and what the industry needs to do more of for better inclusion.
AVS: Richard, thank you for taking the time to speak to AviationSource. If you could please introduce yourself to our readers.
RW: My name is Richard and I’m a Captain with a major low cost airline based at London Gatwick.
I have been involved with the aviation world for the last 35 years having started working the local flying club which enabled me to gain my PPL when I was 17.
After leaving school I completed my commercial pilots exams and went on to become an instructor as well as doing some air taxi work to build hours before gaining my first airline job in the late 90s.
Since then I clocked up over 17,000 hours flying several different types of aircraft across Europe and North Africa for five different airlines.
I live in West Sussex with my husband Ben and am the Vice-Chair of Aviation Pride UK (APUK) as well as a volunteer coach and mentor.
AVS: Have there been good experiences in the aviation industry as a member of the LGBTQ+ Community?
RW: The acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community was somewhat different when I joined my first airline.
I wasn’t really sure if I could be my true self at work, especially on the flight deck.
In fact as it turned out, I ended up in a small friendly base.
I needn’t have worried as I was made to feel very welcome and have never looked back.
Since then, the airline industry has made great strides towards diversity and inclusion encouraging us all to play our part in recognising that we’re not all the same and the benefits that can bring if we engage individuals, especially in terms of communication and safety.
AVS: Have there been any bad experiences?
RW: Maybe I’m lucky, but I haven’t really had any bad experiences throughout my career.
As a Captain of over 24 years, it’s my responsibility to set the tone for the day when we first meet as a crew and complete our briefings.
This is particularly important in such a big base like LGW, as we’re often meeting new crew every day.
I’m passionate about allowing people to be themselves and empowering them to speak up if something isn’t right.
Bringing people of varying backgrounds, cultures and experiences together in an open environment allows us to work safely, effectively and efficiently as a team.
AVS: Is there anything else the industry needs to do in terms of supporting the community?
RW: Whilst there have been great advances in the areas of diversity and inclusion, there is always more to do.
For example providing better support and advice to crew when staying overnight in countries that may be less welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community.
Whilst my background is in the airline environment, it may be that other areas of the aviation have not embraced change at the same rate and recognising the benefits that it can bring.
By working with organisations such as APUK we can help to advocate for the LGBTQ+ aviation community to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all.
AVS: Richard, thank you for taking the time to speak to AviationSource.
Final Thoughts…
In conclusion, the aviation industry has gone to great lengths in applying better inclusion, especially to the LGBTQ+ community.
Furthermore, there are aspects of the aviation industry which need to work harder on this.
As Richard rightly says, there is the opportunity to provide better support and advice always.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the work that the likes of APUK and other organisations do on this.
After all, the industry needs to be in the best position to support diversity and inclusion.
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