Transportation

JetBlue Becomes First Airline to Begin LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces Certification Process

By Newsdesk Jun 2, 2022 1:19pm

JetBlue is commemorating Pride Month with a series of events and support for LGBTQ+ organizations and partners throughout June and beyond.

The airline is a long-time supporter of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), which leverages the historic significance of the New York City LGBTQ+ landmark to help other communities that don’t have the same LGBTQ+ resources or support. As an original SIGBI donor, JetBlue has been named the launch airline partner for the organization’s Safe Spaces certification program, which identifies travel companies, entertainment venues, F&B locations, stores, businesses and other public venues that work year-round to serve as a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ members.

Icema Gibbs, vice president CSR and DEI, JetBlue said, “At JetBlue, we believe the LGBTQ+ community should be supported year round, beyond Pride month, and we will continue to stand for the right for every crew member and customer to feel safe and valued—while ensuring we are marching towards a more equal, inclusive and just world.”

JetBlue continues to serve as the official airline of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center—known locally as The Center. Since 1983, The Center has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community of New York City and empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives.

Over the years, hundreds of JetBlue crew members and senior leaders have marched in pride celebrations across the country, from New York City to West Hollywood, and will continue to do so this year.

For the first time, JetBlue Vacations and Paisly will join in support with JetBlue, from Fort Lauderdale, during the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade on June 18. Accompanied by a float, pride-themed giveaways and a booth on the parade route, 250 local crew members will march in support of equality. JetBlue Vacations and Paisly are proud to strengthen their commitment to the South Florida LGBTQ+ community and its many allies.

Additionally, JetBlue has provided support for several LGBTQ+ nonprofits across the country including Lambda Legal, New York City Anti-Violence Project, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists, OutRight Action International, The Trevor Project, SAGE and Rainbow Railroad, as well as AIDS Walks in Florida and California. The airline also is a founding member of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, JetBlue rolled out a new uniform policy with a range of apparel, and hair and makeup preferences for all crew members, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age and body type.

Throughout this month, JetBlue passengers can enjoy more inflight entertainment options with 31 Pride-related features available onboard. Popular LGBTQ+ titles include “Cabaret,” “Rocketman,” and previous JetBlue Pride partner, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” among others.

JetPride became JetBlue’s first Crewmember Resource Group (CRG) in 2012, welcome to all LGBTQ+ crew members and their allies. It emphasizes the CRG’s mission to increase visibility of LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace.

For more information, visit jetblue.com.

JetBlue Becomes First Airline to Begin LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces Certification Process

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