Freedom to be yourself

Featured image source: VAMOS/LATAM

During LGBTQIA+ Pride month, Brazilian Ricardo Augusto Saboia tells us a little about his journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a Captain

Ricardo Augusto Saboia always dreamed of being an airplane pilot. This conviction defined his career from an early age, so when he was 18, he took his first course at the Aeroclub to learn to be a pilot. After finishing his education in this area, he began his career at LATAM. After much training, testing and flying hours, he became a Captain and currently flies the São Paulo-Rio de Janeiro airlift piloting A319 aircraft.

Besides being able to fulfill himself professionally, he also found a safe environment at LATAM to be exactly who he is. Even more than that, to feel proud of it. "I have always considered LATAM a welcoming place for diversity. This inclusion attitude is part of the company's culture. That's why I never felt the need to hide my personal life or sexual orientation. I am openly gay in all spheres of my life," he says.

For the pilot, the phrase #WeOnlyLabelLuggage, which reinforces LATAM's commitment to respecting diversity and to LGBTQIA+ Pride month, reflects what he experiences daily. "This concept seemed perfect to me because that is how I feel as an employee. I realize that we are evolving in that direction every day, internally and affecting how the company is positioned," he adds.

Saboia thinks that LATAM's positioning, combined with the campaign and society's movements in favor of diversity and inclusion, are transforming some spaces that continue being predominantly male and heterosexual. "There aren't many pilots who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community yet, and I know that many people have stopped following their dreams for fear of prejudice. That's why these initiatives are so important. They help us strengthen ourselves and raise awareness among those people who may still have some resistance to valuing differences. However, little by little, I realize that these barriers are breaking down, and we are occupying more and more positions in the most diverse fields", he adds.

Saboia thinks that LATAM's positioning, combined with the campaign and society's movements in favor of diversity and inclusion, are transforming some spaces that continue being predominantly male and heterosexual. "There aren't many pilots who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community yet, and I know that many people have stopped following their dreams for fear of prejudice. That's why these initiatives are so important. They help us strengthen ourselves and raise awareness among those people who may still have some resistance to valuing differences. However, little by little, I realize that these barriers are breaking down, and we are occupying more and more positions in the most diverse fields", he adds.

Regarding how to ensure that more LGBTQIA+ people can live in a safe space, Saboia has a message for them: "we must be proud, without a doubt, of who we are, of our essence and history and mustn’t let anyone label us in any way."

LATAM supports and promotes the development of talents and passions so that everyone who works in our group can fulfill their dreams. We know there is a long way to go, and we are constantly working to be increasingly inclusive internally. We are committed to ensuring that the LGBTQIA+ community considers our company as a partner, as a fair and safe space where everyone can be who they are.

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