Gender inclusivity is the theme as WestJet launches its new gender-neutral uniforms. .The updated Lakes and Rocky Mountain collections were showcased on Wednesday in a fashion show at the Calgary Airport. . New WestJet uniform .“It’s just a small step that we are taking to be inclusive with our entire workforce,” said Leah McDonald, WestJet director of training and uniforms, as reported by the Edmonton Journal. . New WestJet uniform .“We want to create a space where people feel really comfortable to be authentic and be themselves. That’s where people are able to show our guests their best side and their best service. We want them to show up as them so that they can help our guests have a great time on WestJet.”.The airline's last update to uniforms was five years ago when WestJet took on a genderless approach and encouraged staff to where what they felt most comfortable in. .Team members for the Calgary-based airline can opt for a more gender-neutral look and choose to wear what is most authentic and comfortable for them. Replacing the previous black-based uniformes, options include new blue pantsuits, skirts, or dresses with teal accents meant to commemorate the airline's 26-year history..Nametags have also been redesigned to allow staff to add a preferred pronoun. . WestJet revamps uniforms to be more gender neutralWestJet team member .Jodi Datamuya — a WestJet employee who has been transitioning over the last two years — said the uniforms offer flexibilty for them to be comfortable in what they are doing. .“We have a lot of people who are part of the spectrum and I think it’s very important for them to be able to present themselves as they are by wearing the uniform that they want to wear,” said Datamuya. .The air carrier's new look comes from Project Runway Australia winner and international designer Juli Grbac with input from WestJet frontline workers. . New WestJet uniforms .The wardrobe update follows an change to WestJet's tattoo policy last year which allowed staff to display visible tattoos while in uniform. .The new tattoo policy was significant for Lindsay, a Cree woman and a 20-year WestJet flight attendant, who now has seven dots and six dashes tattooed down her chin signifying members of her family. .“I did not want to get my markings until I could wear them fully, because I didn’t get them to hide them and be ashamed,” she said. “I got them to wear them proud and show my children what it’s like to be really proud indigenous.”.Beginning Wednesday, 8,000 team members will be in their new digs.
