Canada’s Airlines Accused of ‘Rainbow Washing,’ While Only Offering 2 Gender Options

Non-binary and trans activists are criticizing some of Canada’s airlines for celebrating Pride Month while at the same time only offering two gender options when checking in.

Activists say airlines are participating in “rainbow washing” by marketing their Pride support without “putting in the work” to be inclusive. Some members of the non-binary community have received passports with the “X” gender category, and are waiting for more airlines to accept the designation. According to CBC, WestJet, Flair Airlines, and Air Transat plan to accept the “X” designation for check-in “soon.”