Joe Thompson, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays
Across that period, we have seen it grow from a fl edgling ceremony held at London’s One Mayfair to today’s colossal juggernaut that draws the best and brightest of the global LGBT+ community to the Roundhouse, Camden.
There are a lot of people t o thank for this incredible achievement, especially Darren Styles and the team at Attitude. It’s a partnership that we’re so proud of — and one that has helped shape us int o the tolerant, inclusive and diverse business we are today.
However, they say that all good things must come to an end. In this case, we’re happy to say that this is farewell from Virgin Holidays, but not goodbye. Our sister company Virgin Atlantic has stepped up to sign a new three- year partnership with Attitude and will continue fl ying the fl ag on our behalf.
It will mean that Virgin has provided at least a decade’s worth of support to this event and we are delighted with the impact we’ve made together, building an iconic moment on the LGBT+ calendar that we can all be proud of.
Of course, it’s not like Virgin Holidays to slink away quietly, so we’ll be saying farewell in the campest and most extravagant way possible.
We’ve teamed up with Virgin Atlantic, Attitude, NYC & Company and the Alliance for Downtown New York to stage our very first “Pride Flight” to celebrate World Pride 2019 in New York City.
The event also commemorates the 50th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall uprising, which is widely regarded as the birth of the global LGBT+ rights movement.
We’ve charted an entire aircraft to fl y 350 people out to experience New York City Pride in style. Manned entirely by LGBT+ pilots and crew — and hosted by Tituss Burgess from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — the Pride Flight will be unlike any other.
Featuring special in- fl ight performances, a special queer edition of our in- fl ight Vera magazine and more glitter and confetti than our New York aircraft cleaning crews are prepared for, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Anyone wanting to be a part of the action and eag er to explore the world’s most diverse, inclusive and welcoming destination can join the fun by visiting virginholidays. co. uk/ prideflight or by calling 0344 557 8830.
At Virgin Holidays, we believe that everyone can take on the world — and although we won’t be a headline sponsor of the Attitude Awards in 2019, we shall remain a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community.
Whether that’s creating a workplace where people can be themselves, building a business that the British LGBT+ community respects, or fighting to advance equality around the globe, rest assured Virgin Holidays will be there.