The social media video celebrating inclusivity is getting mixed reactions online – especially on X…
In the comments of Air Canada’s latest Instagram post, Canada’s Drag Race contestant Miss Moço just said “Beautiful 💖.” This was the Toronto queen’s reaction to a video showcasing the first ever all 2SLGBTQIA+ flight hosted by Air Canada.
“Our first all 2SLGBTQIA+ flight was a heartfelt celebration reflecting our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality, in the air and on the ground,” the Instagram post says.
The video features interviews from various Air Canada employees talking about what the moment means for them. First officer Jaun called it a really special moment saying, “It has to do with visibility, with the possibility of telling everyone that we truly feel welcome and accepted for who we are.”
Another interviewee was a father who helped with the historic moment as a way to support his daughter who is 2SLGBTQIA+. “One of my four children is part of this community,” he says “When I saw there was an opportunity to support her even more, I signed up for it right away.”
Like Miss Moço, the post has been getting positive reactions with users leaving clapping emojis as well as using words like gorgeous or beautiful to describe it. “Great Job! Fier d’être Canadien! All support is needed and welcome in times of setbacks around the world!” said user André.
While there are plenty of positive comments, there are unfortunately a lot of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ ones also popping up – especially on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some are saying they will no longer fly with the airline, while others suggest it is sacrificing safety for DEI initiatives. As one user on Instagram said in the brand’s defence, “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.”
Earlier this year, the air carrier was honoured again as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, an honour given to companies who raise the standards for inclusiveness in Canadian workplaces. Its commitment to those diverse communities was echoed by an Air Canada employee named Cielo, not in the video, who said in the comments, “Thank you so much @aircanada! I feel honored and well represented in this video as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. I am very proud to work for such an amazing company! Happy Pride 🌈 everyone!!!”
Air Canada is also a sponsor for several Pride festivals across Canada including Toronto Pride, Fierté Montréal, Halifax Pride and Vancouver Pride. Its continued support comes at a time when many corporations are pulling out due to shifting DEI priorities. Earlier this year Pride Toronto announced it lost major corporate sponsors such as Google and Home Depot.
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