Organization Focuses On Professional Networking And Socializing

For first-time Women in Aviation International exhibitor National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), its introduction to WAI comes nearly 15 years after the organization started as a professional network for gay and lesbian pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Canadian flight instructor Bethe Stenning states the group's goal is to promote aviation safety, provide an affirming social and professional network for gay and lesbians in the aviation industry, encourage gay and lesbians to start aviation careers, and foster equal treatment of gay and lesbians in the industry.

NGPA has exhibited before at AirVenture, AOPA, NBAA, and Lakeland.

The group educates the general aviation community about people in aviation who just happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, Stenning said. They also take the opportunity to encourage and support young people that their sexual orientation does not have to be a barrier to seeking their dreams in aviation.

Stenning also notes the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Web site rates airlines and other American businesses on how they are treating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers, and investors.

The three women working the NGPA booth said the response from WAI conventioneers the first day was very positive. "People are saying, 'We're glad you're here,'" said Stenning.

In addition to a colorful banner overhead and printed information on the table, the group is selling colorful aviation diversity necklaces for $5, many being scooped up by youngsters attracted by the colorful plastic planes.

Being "different" is not always easy, even in these days cultural diversity and political correctness. "It's not easy to be on the flight deck (as a gay person)," said Stenning.

Added member Gina Martyn of Monterey, CA, females can face a double minority challenge in the male-dominated aviation world -- being female and being a lesbian.

"NGPA events are by far the most fun I've had being a 'double minority!'" said one member, a first officer for a regional airline. "There's just an extra, shared bond, and the camaraderie is fantastic."

The NGPA also sees education as its focus. The group annually distributes tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to assist the next generation of gay and lesbian aviators, their partners and supporters -- in fulfilling their dreams of a career in the sky.

"NGPA is a great organization. I met friends last year ... that I truly bonded with -- we helped each other out, hang out together, have open invitations to each other's houses... We'd love to have more women join the family," said one member.

For the more than 600 international members of NGPA, said member Lucy Young of Cape Cod, MA, the reason to join is simple: socialization, networking, and camaraderie. "It's a fun-loving environment," she said, noting the member events held at popular destinations like Provincetown, MA; Palm Springs, CA; and Miami, FL.

Members range from teenagers to retired airline pilots, and not everyone who joins is gay or lesbian, bi or trans-gendered. Friends and supporters also count themselves as members.

"I used to think I was the world's only gay pilot," said one corporate pilot. "Boy, has NGPA changed all that. Through NGPA, I've met some really quality people, made some good friends..."

NGPA is making itself known, one person at a time.

FMI: www.ngpa.org, www.hrc.org