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Southwest Airlines Community

We’re Proud to Be Recognized as One of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality

Juan_Suarez
Employee
Employee

At Southwest Airlines, we are proud to celebrate our diverse workforce and put People first, which is why we are committed to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has recognized us as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, an achievement we celebrate not only with our LGBTQ+ Employees, but all of our Southwest Family! This is the eighth consecutive year Southwest has been named among the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

Left to Right Back Row: Manzel Champman, John Chaussee, Wilfredo Garcia, Navid Ladha. Front Row: Heather Raleigh, Kris StroudLeft to Right Back Row: Manzel Champman, John Chaussee, Wilfredo Garcia, Navid Ladha. Front Row: Heather Raleigh, Kris Stroud
We asked some of our Employees what this recognition meant to them and here’s what they had to say:

  • “I am delighted to work for Southwest Airlines, an enduring Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Employees. I am proud to be an Ally to my LGBTQ fellow Employees.”—John Chaussee, Senior Director Security & NOC, Safety & Security

  • “As a Leader for Southwest Airlines, it gives me a huge sense of pride knowing that I am free to show up to work every day as my authentic self. Not only do I have the support of the Company behind me, but I am able to lead the way for others in the LGBTQIA+ community by holding respectful conversations, sharing knowledge, and creating safe spaces for other Employees. I value the fact that Southwest Airlines continues to commit to our mission of recognizing the benefits of creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.”—Heather Raleigh, Baltimore Manager Ramp & Operations V, Ground Operations

  • “Southwest being named a ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Employees’ shows they do not just ‘talk the talk’, but ‘walk the walk’ by acting on it. Southwest Airlines has taken the critical steps to ensure policies, benefits, and practices are implemented for greater equity for LGBTQ Employees and their family members, and that means the world to me.” —Manzel Chapman, Associate Recruiter, People

  • “I am so proud to know that I (we) can express how wonderful we all are.”—Wilfredo Garcia, Flight Attendant

  • “I feel so proud to work at a company such as Southwest Airlines that offers some of the most inclusive practices and benefits I’ve seen for LGBTQ+ people including gender affirmation, adoption assistance, and so much more! I truly feel included, seen, and celebrated every day in so many aspects of our Company Culture. This is such well-deserved recognition for Southwest Airlines from the HRC and it makes my role within diversity recruitment even more fulfilling.”—Navid Ladha, Talent Acquisition Business Consultant, People

  • “I’m so grateful for this honor and to be a part of this amazing Company. Our Heart and pride shine bright. This shows me that no matter who you are or how you identify; you will feel the LUV, day or night!”—Kris Stroud, Quality & Development Specialist, Customer Experience & Customer Relations

The words of our People say best just how much this honor means to us. Every single one of our Employees is important to us at Southwest Airlines and we will always strive to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, embraced, and able to bring their whole self to work.