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Virgin Atlantic scraps rules on male and female uniforms so crew can ‘express their identity’

A major global airline has announced they will scrap the rules on male and female uniforms, meaning staff have the option of wearing what they like.

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Virgin Atlantic has scrapped rules on male and female uniforms so crew can “express their identity”. Richard Branson’s airline is also giving staff and passengers the option of having gender pronoun badges.

And it has changed its online booking system so customers can have a gender-neutral title. Roughly ten countries – including the US, Australia, India and Pakistan – have passports with gender-neutral markers, which are also now available on its online booking.

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TikTok star Tyreece Nye models the iconic Virgin Atlantic uniforms to celebrate the change in the brand's gender identity policy, which champions individuality
TikTok star Tyreece Nye models the iconic Virgin Atlantic uniforms to celebrate the change in the brand's gender identity policy, which champions individuality

In May, Virgin Atlantic became the first major global airline to allow staff to display tattoos.

Earlier this month, Virgin Money staff were told they could add their chosen pronouns onto their work uniforms.

The airline’s chief commercial officer, Juha Jarvinen, said: “It’s so important we enable our people to embrace their individuality.

“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 our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.

Virgin Atlantic crew join Drag Race judge Michelle Visage to champion individuality with Virgin Atlantic's updated gender identity policy
Virgin Atlantic crew join Drag Race judge Michelle Visage to champion individuality with Virgin Atlantic's updated gender identity policy

Human rights organisation the Peter Tatchell Foundation said: “This is a positive, inclusive move. We hope other airlines will follow.”

Non-binary TikTok star Tyreece Nye was brought in to help model the skirt uniform. But one passenger commented: “Perhaps you could put as much effort into your customers’ happiness?”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/virgin-atlantic-scraps-rules-on-male-and-female-uniforms-so-crew-can-express-their-identity/news-story/96799e3b7cfff330a013569f69c1e399