United Airlines has become the first US carrier to offer non-binary gender options for passengers when they book a flight.
Customers will now have the ability to identify themselves as M(male), F(female), U(undisclosed) or X(unspecified) corresponding with their identification or passport.
In addition, they also have the option of choosing the title Mx.
United Airlines offers Mx.
The honorific Mx. is a gender-neutral alternative to the gendered Mr., Ms., Miss and Mrs.
Mx. is generally pronounced as “mix,” and has grown in popularity over the past few years.
The move comes as a result of more people outwardly and openly identify as transgender, gender-nonconforming and non-binary.
United providing diversity training to staff
Furthermore, United’s Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist says the airline is also providing gender equality training for staff.
“United is excited to share with our customers, whether they identify along the binary of male or female or not, that we are taking the steps to exhibit our care for them while also providing additional employee training to make us even more welcoming for all customers and employees.”
The staff training includes a number of measures.
For example:
- lessons on preferred pronouns and persistence of gender norms,
- LGBTIQ competency in the workplace,
- and other steps to make the airline an inclusive company for employees and customers.
United consulted with The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign before implementing the changes.
Inclusiveness is a good thing
Miles Heffernan, Litigation Director at Discrimination Claims welcomed the changes.
“Anything that promotes inclusiveness and gender diversity is a good thing for the community,” he said.
“Allowing a person to register as the gender that they identify as can make all the difference to someone who once may have felt excluded.
“People who feel included and accepted and respected are generally happier, healthier, and more productive, and that’s a good thing for society.”
The new booking options at United Airlines are now available.
Neither Qantas or Virgin have indicated that they plan to introduce similar changes to their booking systems.
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