09/17/2025
The following is some beautiful words of support from Airbus concerning pride. This is a good read for our community, our allies, and those wondering why theres not straight pride. This is why:
More than just a parade
Have you ever wondered why Pride marches exist?
They are happening because, for still too many people, revealing who they are or who they love led to losing their family. From one day to another. Sometimes it has resulted in being thrown out onto the street as a teenager, with nowhere to go. They exist because being who you are can still lead to rejection, country exile, or even hate crimes.
Some people may ask, "Why isn't there a Straight Pride march?" Because being heterosexual doesn't come with these dangers. Straight identity has never been illegal, classified as a mental illness, or been the cause for a group to fight for its right to exist. Straight people have never been systematically oppressed, persecuted, or criminalised for their sexual orientation. They have not had to fight for the right to marry, adopt children, or hold hands in public without fear of violence. A heterosexual couple will not be restricted in the countries they wish to visit. They haven’t grown up feeling invisible or erased in our films, our adverts, and our society.
Pride marches exist because being authorised to show up our true self is not yet the reality for everyone. They are a fight for the simple right to exist without fear. And to empower LGBTQ+ individuals to feel more confident and proud of who they are.
Participating as a LGBTQ+ person is not a demand for special treatment, but simply a request for equality, acceptance and respect.
One of the most profound impacts of pride marches may be the shift in public opinion. By bringing LGBTQ+ people and their allies into the public square, the parades have helped to normalise diverse identities and break down prejudice and fear. This increased acceptance has, in turn, created a more fertile ground for legislative and social change, such as same-sex marriage and civil unions in many nations, including France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
Why it matters to allies
When defending LGBTQ+ rights, we defend human rights, which cannot be selectively applied, as their strength lies in their universality. Once we allow the rights of any single group to be diminished, a dangerous precedent is set that makes everyone vulnerable. After all, if one form of identity can be deemed 'illegitimate', the same logic can eventually be used to silence opinions, beliefs or identities, censor artistic works, and even roll back fundamental civil liberties and hard-won rights.
When our colleagues can be themselves without fear, we are all stronger for it.
By showing up, we are not just celebrating our le***an, gay, bisexual, trans, and q***r (LGBTQ+) colleagues; we are standing with them.
Why Airbus takes part
Airbus participation in Pride marches is a vital sign of our continued commitment to create a workplace where everyone belongs. We want every single colleague to feel safe, valued, and empowered to bring their whole self to work each day. We are sending a clear message that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that we are dedicated to creating a truly inclusive environment for all. Airbus supports, respects and values all our colleagues.
