Virgin Atlantic have updated their gender identity policy to allow crew, pilots and ground team the choice of what uniform they wear.
The airline has removed the requirement for staff to wear gendered uniforms, and staff can now wear what best represents them.
The iconic red and burgundy uniforms were designed by Vivienne Westwood.
The policy, which is effective today, is part of a wider initiative to become more inclusive and champion individuality.
Other alterations include the introduction of optional pronoun badges for all its people and those travelling with the airline.
Virgin has also updated its ticketing system to allow those with gender-neutral markers to select ‘U’ or ‘X’ gender codes on their bookings.
They have also added Mx to their choices of salutations.
Staff will also have mandatory inclusivity training across all levels of the organisation.
The changes are part of its Be Yourself campaign, which follows on from the decision to permit visible tattoos and optional makeup, flat shoes and trousers for crew members and front line staff.
Well-known figures within the LGBTQ+ community teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to showcase the new policy.
Michelle Visage, Tanya Compas, Talulah-Eve and Tyreece Nye all appeared in the campaign video.
Visage, who is best known as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race stated: “As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, these efforts by Virgin Atlantic to further inclusivity for its people are extremely important and personal to me.”
“People feel empowered when they are wearing what best represents them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work,” she added.
Research conducted by Virgin Atlantic found that allowing staff to embrace individuality at work increased mental well being by 49% and feelings of happiness by 65%.
It also created a better experience for customers and staff alike.
Jaime Forsstroem, Cabin Crew at Virgin Atlantic commented: “The updated gender identity policy is so important to me. As a non-binary person, it allows me to be myself at work and have the choice in what uniform I wear.”
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