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gay pilot association

“For example, you might be on a four–day trip and have to spend hours and hours in the cockpit with someone who is homophobic, and you have to judge the situation and pick your battles.”

It is important to stay calm in these discussions, says Gambino, because no one listens when both sides are raising their voices.

“Our recommendation is to have an active conversation.

I will withdraw my support and put it to good use elsewhere. He notes that NGPA events give LGBTQ+ aviators a chance to relax and be themselves—and sometimes that is difficult to do in the aviation workplace where they may encounter bigotry, homophobia, and transphobia. 

It can manifest in the form of a coworker using the word “gay” as a pejorative adjective or when someone misgender-identifies someone by using the wrong pronouns or “deadnames” them, the practice of using the former name of a transgender individual rather than the name they have chosen that better aligns with their identity.

Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Warfield has fond memories of working in the field alongside her father watching aircraft that passed overhead.

“When an airplane flew over it would often lead to a discussion about what kind of aircraft it was and where the pilot might be coming from or where it might be going,” she says.

This is in part the reason behind the creation of the National Gay Pilots Association.

The NGPA Is Born

The National Gay Pilots Association, the worldwide LGBTQ+ aviation community, was established in 1990 primarily as a social organization. “I give great hugs, but I also have claws,” she jokes, adding that one of the more challenging aspects of coming out as LGBTQ+ is determining if you will be accepted by family and friends.

“Our scholarship program is one of the most substantive means NGPA can give back to its membership and meet the ‘build and support’ portions of our mission.”

“The scholarship program means a great deal personally because it is a way for me to plant something good for the future,” Williams added.

Also according to the release, the NGPA continues its collaboration with the United Airlines AVIATE Academy (UAA) this year.

As a GA pilot, the statement here specifically excludes me, and that’s really unfortunate.

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Ron Minter
I would agree with Andrew on this phrasing. Members might also ask NGPA leaders to contact the business to open a dialog about the behavior.

The NGPA also puts on an aviation inclusion summit where they use educational videos to help the leadership at various companies and organizations recognize issues in the workplace.

This year, NGPA established NGPA Care, a confidential phone line where a person can talk to a volunteer who has had specialized training and can provide moral support.

More than $325,000 of the scholarship funds will be extended to students participating in the UAA through NGPA’s partnership with United Airlines. Now substitute the term LGBTQ+ for left-handed, and you have the plight of many gay persons—we use the term gay inclusively here. Aspiring aviation professionals within the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

It is important to note that NGPA scholarships are awarded regardless of an individual’s gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

The establishment of an educational fund was one of the first actions of the group in its early days. If positive learning cannot take place, move on and talk about something else, some common interest.”

For example, the non-mission critical conversation might shift to less emotional topics such as favorite aircraft to fly, the best restaurants in a particular town, and other neutral options.

The NGPA has a homophobia and transphobia reporting line where people who have had negative interactions in the workplace can share them, perhaps as a warning to others about what to expect at a particular business.

“This was a time of don’t ask, don’t tell,” says Kit Warfield, a retired flight instructor and seaplane pilot living in Seattle. The NGPA comprises LGBTQ+ aviation professionals and enthusiasts, and “aims to encourage individuals to begin aviation careers, foster an environment of equality for LGBTQ+ aviators, promote safety, and establish personal and professional networks.” The organization accomplishes its mission through education and outreach, and is led by a board of directors, executives, and dedicated volunteers.

The 2023 scholarship cycle is made possible through the generous contributions of industry partners and membership donations.

Other times it is more insidious and passive-aggressive such as when the LGBTQ+ individual finds their opportunities for advancement curtailed or their work hours reduced.

It can also be more direct, says Gambino, such as questioning a person’s airmanship because they identify as LGBTQ+.

“In the flight environment, there are those who will question someone’s aviation capability based on what they do not understand or do not accept,” says Gambino.  “This is dead wrong and has no basis in fact.

It may be well intended, but seems written from a professional pilot perspective.