Virgin Atlantic Resumes Gender Identity Policy

On flights, passengers of Virgin Atlantic have always been able to choose what they wear. British airline said on Wednesday it was rescinding its policy on gendered uniforms. The policy change will allow cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff to wear the uniform of their choice, no matter gender, gender identity, or gender expression, the company said in a news release.

Passengers with X gender markers can book flights using an option other than male or female, according to Virgin Atlantic.

We believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are. That s why it is so important to enable people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work," Juha Jarvinen, the airline's chief commercial officer, said in a statement. It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure that their customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns. Airline uniforms have been categorized as male or female, with traditional interpretations of how men and women should dress. In April, not long after it was accused of discriminating against its nonbinary and gender nonconforming employees, Alaska Airlines rolled out gender-neutral uniforms and relaxed its gendered grooming policies. The Ukrainian budget airline SkyUp stopped requiring female cabin crew to wear high heels last year.

Virgin Atlantic's policy announcement was coupled with a flashy photoshoot featuring longstanding RuPaul s Drag Race judge and gay icon Michelle Visage.

As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ community, these efforts by Virgin Atlantic to further inclusiveness for its people are extremely important and personal to me, Visage said in a statement. People feel empowered when they wear what best represents them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work. Virgin Atlantic had already relaxed its dress code in recent years. The company allowed staff to display their tattoos while they are in uniform in June. In the year 2019 the airline allowed female cabin crew to wear pants instead of skirts, and go without make-up or high heels.