Air Canada recently hosted its first-ever all-2SLGBTQIA+ flight, a move celebrated by many, including Canada’s Drag Race contestant Miss Moço, who commented “Beautiful” on the airline’s Instagram post showcasing the event.
The Instagram post itself highlighted the airline’s “unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality,” featuring interviews with Air Canada employees. First Officer Juan described the flight as “a really special moment,” emphasizing its importance for “visibility” and demonstrating that “we truly feel welcome and accepted for who we are.”
Another employee, a father, participated to support his 2SLGBTQIA+ daughter, stating, “When I saw there was an opportunity to support her even more, I signed up for it right away.”
The initiative garnered significant positive feedback, with users leaving appreciative comments and emojis. User André remarked, “Great Job! Fier d’être Canadien! All support is needed and welcome in times of setbacks around the world!”
An Air Canada employee named Cielo, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, also expressed pride in working for the company, commenting, “I feel honored and well represented in this video… Happy Pride everyone!!!”
However, the post also drew negative reactions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with some users threatening to boycott the airline and others alleging that safety was being compromised for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One Instagram user defended Air Canada, stating, “Thank you for this, Air Canada. And sorry for all the hate you got for your post on X. My question is, why the hell are you posting on X anyway? It’s nothing but haters.”
This event aligns with Air Canada’s consistent recognition as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.
The airline continues to be a prominent sponsor of various Pride festivals across Canada, including those in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver. This sustained support stands in contrast to some corporations, like Google and Home Depot, which have recently withdrawn their sponsorship from Pride Toronto due to evolving DEI priorities.
