Aviation Pride UK is building a stronger, safer and more visible community for LGBTQ+ people across the aviation industry. This Pride Month, Richard Walker, Vice Chair and Trustee, explains how the charity is helping aircrew, ground staff, students, recreational flyers and enthusiasts feel supported, represented and proud to belong.
For many of us, aviation is more than just a job. It is a passion, a calling, a community and, for some, a lifelong dream. But for LGBTQ+ people working across the industry, that sense of belonging has not always been guaranteed.
That is where Aviation Pride UK comes in.
This Pride Month, Confessions of a Trolley Dolly is shining a spotlight on the charity working to make aviation more accessible, inclusive, and safe for LGBTQ+ people, while building a stronger, more visible community across the industry.
In an exclusive interview, Richard Walker, Vice Chair and Trustee of Aviation Pride UK, said the charity exists to support people from every corner of aviation.
“Aviation Pride UK is a UK-based charity working to make aviation more accessible, inclusive and safe for LGBTQ+ people,” he explained.
“We support people across aviation, including aircrew, ground staff, air traffic control, students, recreational flyers and enthusiasts. Our purpose is to build a stronger LGBTQ+ aviation community and help ensure that everyone feels they have a place in the industry.”
From Small Beginnings To A Growing Aviation Community
Aviation Pride UK’s roots stretch back to 2016, when it began as a UK and European chapter of the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), founded in the United States more than 30 years ago. Aviation Pride UK remains an affiliate of the NGPA, but in 2023, it was formally established as a UK-based charity in its own right.
Richard said the move was about better representing the needs of the UK aviation community. “There was not a single organisation bringing people together from across airlines, airports, aviation companies, training organisations and recreational aviation,” he said.
What started as a small group of people with a shared passion has since grown into a volunteer-led charity with more than 200 members, nine corporate sponsors, regular events, Pride activity, industry engagement, a mentoring programme and plans for a scholarship scheme.
“APUK began with a small group of people who had a real passion to create a dedicated LGBTQ+ aviation organisation,” Richard explained.
“Each person has their own story of acceptance, belonging and finding their place within aviation, and that shared understanding helped bring the group together.”
“We are proud of how the charity has grown, from a small volunteer-led idea to over 200 members and nine corporate sponsors. The recognition and support we have received from industry partners means a great deal.”
Building, Supporting, and Uniting
At the heart of Aviation Pride UK is a simple but powerful mission: to “Build, Support and Unite” the LGBTQ+ aviation community.
For Richard, those three words are more than a slogan.
“‘Build’ means creating a visible and welcoming LGBTQ+ aviation community through networking, social events and aviation-related events,” he said.
“‘Support’ is about advocacy, representing APUK at industry level and developing practical schemes such as our mentoring and scholarship programmes.
“‘Unite’ is about bringing people together from across the whole aviation sector, regardless of their role, background or experience.”
That broad approach is important. Aviation Pride UK is not just for pilots or cabin crew. It is for anyone connected to aviation, whether they work in the industry, are training to join it, fly recreationally, study it or simply love aircraft and aviation.
For those who may feel isolated, the charity offers something difficult to find elsewhere: a place to meet people who understand.
“For those who may feel isolated, APUK provides a space to meet others with shared experiences, build friendships and feel part of something wider,” Richard said.
“We bring people together through events, networking, mentoring and shared aviation experiences, including air traffic control visits and simulator sessions.”
Why Aviation Pride UK Still Matters
On the surface, aviation can appear global and progressive. From rainbow liveries to Pride-themed posts on social media, the industry often presents itself as modern and inclusive.
But Richard is clear that, while progress has been made, LGBTQ+ inclusion cannot be taken for granted.
“Not everyone’s experience of aviation is the same,” he said. “Many people feel accepted and supported, but others may still feel isolated, underrepresented or unsure where they fit within the industry.”
He also points out that aviation is international by nature, which can bring additional concerns for LGBTQ+ people.
“The UK is generally a more accepting environment, but aviation is international by nature. People across aviation may work for global organisations, travel through, operate to or engage with places that are far less accepting of LGBTQ+ people.
“In an ever-changing world, there will always be a need for advocacy, visibility and support.”
For LGBTQ+ people in aviation, the challenges can be subtle but still significant. Assumptions, casual comments, a lack of understanding or uncertainty about how colleagues will react can all affect someone’s confidence to be fully themselves at work.
“Aviation can be progressive and welcoming, but experiences vary,” Richard explained.
“Some LGBTQ+ people still face assumptions, casual comments or a lack of understanding, which can make it harder to feel fully comfortable being themselves.
“Inclusion needs to be part of everyday culture, not just public-facing events.”
More Than Rainbow Logos
Pride Month is an important time for visibility and celebration, but Aviation Pride UK is keen to stress that meaningful inclusion must go beyond rainbow branding.
“Visible support during Pride Month is important, but meaningful inclusion has to go much further than rainbow logos,” Richard said.
“It means creating a culture where LGBTQ+ people feel respected, supported and able to be themselves every day of the year. That includes clear policies, visible allyship, inclusive training, safe ways to raise concerns and leadership that takes inclusion seriously.”
That point is particularly important in aviation, where safety, communication and teamwork are central to daily operations.
Richard makes a powerful link between inclusion and safety.
“In aviation, inclusion has a safety aspect,” he explains. “Crew Resource Management training teaches the importance of speaking up. If someone feels comfortable and respected, they are more likely to have the confidence to do that.”
It is a reminder that inclusion is not simply a nice extra, or something that belongs in HR brochures once a year. It is part of creating workplaces where people feel psychologically safe, supported and able to perform at their best.
“One misconception is that because aviation is modern and international, LGBTQ+ inclusion has already been achieved,” Richard explained.
“Progress has been made, but experiences still vary greatly depending on workplace, role, location and culture.
“Another misconception is that inclusion is only about Pride Month, rainbow branding or social events. Inclusion is also about policies, safety, representation, allyship and everyday workplace culture.”
Pride, Visibility, and Belonging
Aviation Pride UK runs a wide range of events throughout the year, bringing people together socially, professionally and through shared aviation experiences.
These include karaoke nights, film nights, aviation visits, networking events, air traffic control visits, and opportunities to participate in airline simulator sessions.
The charity also has a visible presence at Pride events. This year, Aviation Pride UK attended Birmingham Pride, while London Pride in July remains its flagship Pride event. The charity will be walking in the parade with a float and will also host a Pre-Pride Party on Friday and a drag brunch on Sunday. It will also attend Crawley Pride in August.
For Richard, visibility matters because it sends a clear message.
“Visibility matters because it shows LGBTQ+ people have a place in aviation,” he said.
That visibility can be particularly important for younger LGBTQ+ people who are considering a future in the industry.
“Representation is extremely important,” Richard said. “For younger LGBTQ+ people hoping to enter aviation, seeing people like themselves already in the industry can make a real difference.
“We truly believe that aviation is for all. Young people should be able to see that they can build a career, follow their passion and be themselves at the same time.
“One of the most important messages we want to convey is that it is okay to be yourself.”
The Power Of Allyship
Aviation Pride UK is also keen to involve allies. For non-LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends, organisations and supporters, there are many ways to help create a more inclusive aviation industry.
“Allies play an important role,” Richard explained. “Allyship helps create workplaces and communities where people feel accepted, respected and able to be themselves.”
Sometimes, he adds, even the smallest visible gesture can make a difference.
“We should not underestimate the power of symbolism. Something as simple as an ally wearing a Pride badge can be incredibly powerful because it sends a visible message that LGBTQ+ people are welcome and supported.”
But allyship is also about action. Richard said allies can support Aviation Pride UK by attending events, volunteering, sharing its message, challenging non-inclusive behaviour and encouraging their organisations to engage with the charity.
APUK also works directly with airlines, airports, aviation companies and employee networks to improve inclusion through conversation, collaboration and shared learning.
“One of the ways we do this is through regular advocacy events, where we bring different industry partners together to discuss important topics, share ideas and learn from each other in an open and constructive way,” Richard said.
The charity’s corporate First Class sponsors have also helped Aviation Pride UK build visibility and encourage more consistent LGBTQ+ inclusion across the sector.
Mentoring, Scholarships, and Practical Support
While community and visibility are central to Aviation Pride UK’s work, the charity also provides practical support.
Its mentoring programme helps connect members with people who can offer advice, guidance and encouragement at key moments in their aviation journey.
Richard said some of the most powerful moments have come from members who felt isolated before finding the charity, or who discovered through an APUK event that others had shared similar experiences.
“We have also seen the impact of our mentoring programme, where pairing a member with the right mentor helped them access the support they needed at the right time,” he said.
“Those moments show why APUK matters. Sometimes the biggest impact is helping someone feel less alone, better supported and more able to move forward.”
The charity is also preparing to launch a scholarship scheme that will enable it to give back to the community through grants and help members access aviation opportunities.
In addition, Aviation Pride UK is planning an industry inclusion summit in the autumn, further strengthening its role as a voice for LGBTQ+ people across aviation.
Richard said the charity is proud not only of its events and advocacy, but of the foundations it has built.
“We are proud of the work it took to establish Aviation Pride UK as a registered charity,” he said.
“A huge amount happened behind the scenes to demonstrate to the Charity Commission that our scope and purpose were clear, charitable and able to serve the LGBTQ+ aviation community.
“Alongside our events, advocacy, mentoring programme and the development of our scholarship scheme, it feels like APUK is building something really meaningful.”
How To Get Involved
For anyone who wants to support Aviation Pride UK, there are several ways to get involved.
Individuals can join as members, with basic membership starting at £20. Student membership is also available for those in training. Members can access event discounts and other partner benefits, and take part in events, Pride activities, the mentoring programme, and volunteering opportunities.
Organisations can support the charity through corporate First Class membership, which can be tailored depending on how they wish to work with Aviation Pride UK.
But support can also be simple.
Sharing the charity’s message, attending events, encouraging workplace engagement and making LGBTQ+ inclusion more visible all help to build a stronger community.
For someone nervous about attending their first event, the message is clear: you will be welcomed.
Aviation Pride UK exists to bring people together, whether they are experienced aviation professionals, students, trainees, recreational flyers or enthusiasts who want to meet others who share both their passion for aviation and their lived experience.
Looking To The Future
Looking ahead, Aviation Pride UK wants to continue growing as a trusted and visible voice for the LGBTQ+ aviation community.
“Our ambition is to build on the foundations we have already created and continue growing APUK as a strong, visible and trusted voice for the LGBTQ+ aviation community,” Richard said.
“Over the next five years, we want to further strengthen the vibrant community we have built, grow our membership, expand our support through our mentoring and scholarship programmes and continue building partnerships across the industry.”
“We would like APUK to be a recognised point of connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the wider aviation sector.”
Richard said he would also like the wider aviation industry to treat LGBTQ+ inclusion as a normal part of safety, well-being, and professionalism.
“That means consistent support throughout the year, clear policies, visible allyship, inclusive training and leadership that listens to LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences,” he said.
“It also means recognising that inclusion and safety apply across the whole aviation system, from flight operations and airports to engineering, air traffic control, training and recreational aviation.
“The industry has made progress, but inclusion should be embedded into everyday culture rather than treated as a separate or seasonal topic.”
“You Belong In Aviation”
As Pride Month celebrates visibility, protest, progress and community, Aviation Pride UK’s work is a reminder that belonging still matters.
For LGBTQ+ people in aviation, whether they are already working in the industry, training to join it, flying for fun or simply dreaming of a future among the clouds, the charity’s message is simple and powerful.
“Our message is simple: you belong in aviation,” Richard said.
“Whether you work in the industry, are training to join it, fly recreationally or simply have a passion for aviation, there is a place for you. We truly believe that aviation is for all and that it is okay to be yourself.
“Pride Month is a time to remember those who fought for the rights we have today and to celebrate our vibrant community. It is also a reminder of why visibility, support and community still matter. APUK exists to build, support and unite that community, and we would be proud to welcome anyone who wants to be part of it.”
For an industry built on connecting people, Aviation Pride UK is helping ensure that connection begins much closer to home: with community, visibility and the right to belong.
To find out more about APUK and howyoou can get involved click here.
© Confessions of a Trolley Dolly