Air Canada recently found itself in a social media storm after unveiling a Pride Month initiative that was met with criticism rather than the anticipated praise.
The airline, which serves as Canada's national carrier, announced its "first all-2SLGBTQIA+ flight" through a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This announcement was accompanied by a polished 90-second video showcasing employees from various roles, including pilots, engineers, ground staff, and cabin crew, all identifying across the "2SLGBTQIA+" spectrumTwo-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual.
"Our first all-2SLGBTQIA+ flight was a heartfelt celebration reflecting our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality, in the air and on the ground," Air Canada declared in its post. However, the airline's attempt to celebrate diversity quickly backfired as the comment section was inundated with negative feedback, overshadowing the post's likes and shares, as reported by the Daily Mail.
According to Breitbart, the backlash was swift, prompting Air Canada to disable public replies on the posta rare move that underscored the unintended fallout from their Pride celebration. Many commenters voiced their discontent, arguing that the focus on sexual identity overshadowed professional competence.
One critic sarcastically remarked, "When booking flights I know my first concern is the sexuality of the flight crew. LGB aren't you sick of being used?" Another added, "Nothing screams 'inclusion' like blocking most of the public from commenting on your companys post." A further comment from a self-identified gay man expressed concern, stating, "As a gay man, I find it absolutely terrifying you put people in the cockpit based on their identity rather than their skill to fly a plane."
This incident is not the first time Air Canada has faced public scrutiny over its policies. In 2019, the airline made headlines when it decided to abandon traditional greetings such as "ladies and gentlemen" or the French "mesdames et messieurs" in favor of gender-neutral salutations like "good morning everybody."
This change was part of an effort to create an inclusive environment for all passengers, including those identifying with gender X. A company memo at the time emphasized the goal of ensuring "an inclusive space for everyone," a policy that was implemented by gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots alike.
As Air Canada navigates the complexities of modern identity politics, it faces the challenge of balancing inclusivity with the expectations of its diverse customer base.
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