Virgin Atlantic Announces , Gender-Neutral Uniform Policy.
The British airline announced the updated uniform policy on Sept. 28.
According to the announcement, staff who are required to wear a uniform may now select their preference "no matter their gender, gender identity or gender expression.".
The Vivienne Westwood-designed uniforms will no longer be gender identified.
Virgin's CCO reiterated the company's desire for its employees to "embrace their individuality
and be their true selves at work.".
It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them... , Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic CCO, via CNN.
... and how they identify
and ensure our customers
are addressed by their
preferred pronouns, Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic CCO, via CNN.
The move was hailed by high-profile members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, , Michelle Visage, 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Judge, via CNN.
... these efforts by Virgin Atlantic to further inclusivity for its people are extremely important and personal to me, Michelle Visage, 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Judge, via CNN.
Advocates say the move is likely to elicit loyalty from employees, as well as improve employee performance.
People feel empowered when they are wearing what best represents them, , Michelle Visage, 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Judge, via CNN.
... and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work, Michelle Visage, 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Judge, via CNN.
In addition, the ticketing system for the airliner has been changed to allow for a wider spectrum of gender identification.
The tattoo and makeup policies for the carrier have also recently been updated