At United, our purpose of “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” is at its core a call for a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming world. This means that each and every person, regardless of their age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, should feel that they are not only welcome but that they belong onboard a United aircraft.
As we celebrate Pride Month, and all who identify as LGBTQ+, over the next 30 days, we recognize the great strides we’ve made as a company to ensure that all those who choose to fly United, and everyone who is part of our United family, feels like they can be their true authentic selves.
At the end of 2020, United received a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the 10th straight year. This significant acknowledgment is one we do not take for granted, and one that we work hard to achieve every year.
While we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community year-round, this month reminds us that sexual orientation and identity inclusion are integral to the success of our business. We are proud to be a leader in diversity, equality, and inclusion in aviation, and that pride extends beyond June to include every flight, every customer, every day, year-round.
Building an inclusive team is more than just the right thing to do but also what is necessary. We are committed to continuing to create an environment where you, our loyal customers, and all our employees feel valued and respected both on the ground and in the air.
Having our employees feel that they can bring their whole selves and talents to the workplace is an invaluable asset to our organization and your experience. It is our hope that, much like our employees, you feel comfortable being who you truly are, thus allowing you to have the best travel experience possible. In promoting an environment that supports authenticity, we aim to create an airline that you are proud to fly.
That’s why United was the first airline to offer same-sex partners benefits, and the first to allow our customers to fly how they identify, with non-binary gender booking options. We were also the only U.S. airline to be inducted into the Stonewall Ambassador Program in 2019. We have so much to be proud of, and so much more to look forward to.
Just as the LGBTQ+ community stood together and recognized the need for solidarity and justice more than 50 years ago at Stonewall, at United we recognize the intrinsic value of our diversity. We understand that by standing side by side and truly embracing our differences, we become a more robust airline for all who fly the Friendly Skies.
Inclusively,
Kate Gebo
Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Labor Relations
Executive Sponsor for EQUAL, United’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group
Next Up: LGBTQ+ Employees Reflect on Their Experiences at United
