Fly-by NUNES Supports PRIDE Month
What is PRIDE month all about?
Pride month takes place every June as a commemorative event recognising the original event that started the gay rights movement, in June 1969, called the Stonewall Riots, protesting police raids and arrests for one's sexual orientation. Many businesses show support and solidarity during this month to the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Progress Flag
History and background
Stonewall, were a series of spontaneous protests by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City. Patrons of the Stonewall, other Village lesbian and gay bars, and neighborhood street people fought back when the police became violent. The riots are widely considered the watershed event that transformed the gay liberation movement and the twentieth-century fight for LGBT rights in the United States. (Note 1)
Many lost their lives in the fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people to be recognised, and activists to this day are losing their lives in the fight for freedom and equality.
Many lost their lives for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, including here in the UK. Convictions under the Buggery Act 1533 were punishable by death.
It was only in 1967 when homosexuality was legalised, and in 2013 when same-sex couples were legally allowed to marry in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, same-sex marriage was only legalised as recently as the 13th of January 2020.
The Equality Act 2010 gave LGBT employees protections from discrimination, harassment and victimisation at work. The legislation brought together existing legislation and added protections for trans workers, solidifying rights granted by the Gender Recognition Act. The LGBT community continues to fight for equality and social acceptance. (Note 2)
Note 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots
Note 2: https://www.bl.uk/lgbtq-histories/articles/a-short-history-of-lgbt-rights-in-the-uk
Why do we support it?
As a proudly owned LGBTQ+ business, we undoubtedly support Gay Pride Month as an organisation that values inclusivity and diversity, not only in the workplace, but in society, in law, and as a whole.
We value, appreciate, accept and celebrate LGBTQ+ people as a valuable part of business and support pride in the field of aviation. Fly-by NUNES supports equal opportunities, equal rights, and celebrates the advances in rights and protections to date.
Fly-by NUNES are proud of the partnership we have with Global Aviation Specialists, who are also an inclusive and diverse organisation.
We've also collated a few resources and links for LGBTQ+ people in aviation, which can be found at the end of this article.
The reality...
Whilst many countries have made significant advances in LGBTQ+ rights, LGBTQ+ people and their rights are still not recognised in many parts of the world. People continue to face oppression, rejection, and discrimination, having to hide who they are, when it comes to many facets of life, including employment, society, and family. Many are also persecuted or killed, and living in constant fear, just for being who they are.
So much still needs to be done in the fight to recognise human rights for LGBTQ+ people.
How will Fly-by NUNES be getting involved?
We are proud to be joining Proud and Diverse Cumbria Pride event, on Saturday 16 September 2023, where we will be volunteering our time and help in setting up infrastructure and to fundraise on the day. Why not come along, and visit. Send us a message on our whatsapp +44 7821 649 136 or https://wa.me/message/QQF3ANCOBOMTJ1 and let us know you are there. We’d love to meet you!
LGBTQ+ in Aviation - Resources & Links
Global Aviation Specialists Limited - Wellfare and Wellbeing
Employee welfare is one of the most significantly beneficial investments an organisation can make.
Fostering a safe, inclusive, and healthy culture has a direct and positive impact on morale. This creates effective team dynamics, improving efficiency and safety, all of which are fundamental components of a high performing business.
Global Aviation Specialists welfare team has vast experience of develop strategic business plans, welfare plans and policies, and addressing cultural challenges by providing action learning, coaching and education programmes at all levels in organisations.
https://aviation-specialists.com/welfare-and-wellbeing/
European Pride in Aviation Network
At EPAN, we are passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the European aviation industry. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment leads to increased innovation, improved customer satisfaction, and better overall outcomes.
https://www.prideinaviation.org/p/about/
National Gay Pilots Association
Today, the NGPA is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. Since 1990 our mission has been simple: to Build, Support, and Unite the LGBTQ aviation community worldwide. Through education, social events, and outreach we advance our primary goals:
PROMOTE aviation safety.
PROVIDE an affirming social and professional network for the LGBTQ aviation community.
FOSTER equal treatment of the LGBTQ aviation community through advocacy and outreach.
ENCOURAGE members of the LGBTQ community to begin careers in aviation.
https://www.ngpa.org/about