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June 28, 2024

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Spotlight: Flight Attendant Josue Rodriguez

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which honors the arts, culture, contributions, and history of LGBTQ+ people in the United States. During this month, we are proudly spotlighting team members who show how our diverse backgrounds contribute to an inclusive and successful company. 

Today, we introduce Flight Attendant Josue Rodriguez, who shared his love for aviation and what Pride Month means to him.  

What was your path to PSA? 

My journey to PSA Airlines began with a lifelong passion for aviation that started in my childhood. After graduating high school, I pursued my dream by attending college and earning my private pilot’s license and instrument ratings. My goal was to achieve my commercial pilot’s license, but financial challenges forced me to shift gears, leading me into a career in retail management. Although I found success managing clothing stores, my passion for aviation persisted. 

When I discovered PSA Airlines was hiring flight attendants, I saw it as a chance to reignite my connection to aviation. Securing an interview was a moment of gratitude, and being hired by PSA was a thrilling affirmation that I could once again be part of the aviation industry that I love. 

What do you love about the aviation industry? 

What I love about the aviation industry is its ability to connect people and places across the globe with speed and efficiency. It is a field where precision, teamwork, and innovation converge to ensure safe and seamless travel experiences. The dynamic nature of aviation, coupled with its technological advancements and the camaraderie among professionals, continually inspires me. 

What does Pride Month mean to you? 

Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and solidarity for me. It is about honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s history of resilience and activism, remembering those who have fought for equality and justice, and recognizing the ongoing journey toward inclusivity and acceptance. It is a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity, supporting one another, and advocating for equal rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Pride Month represents a time to amplify voices, celebrate progress, and commit to continuing the work towards a more inclusive society where everyone can live authentically and with dignity. 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community in aviation, how do you feel you positively impact PSA’s culture of diversity and inclusion? 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community in aviation and at PSA Airlines, I believe I positively impact our culture of diversity and inclusion in several ways. Firstly, my presence helps to visibly represent the LGBTQ+ community within the organization, fostering a sense of visibility and inclusivity for others like me. By openly embracing my identity, I contribute to create a workplace where all employees feel accepted and valued for who they are. 

Additionally, my experiences and perspectives as an LGBTQ+ individual enrich our team dynamics and decision-making processes. I bring a unique viewpoint that can contribute to discussions on diversity initiatives, policies, and employee resource groups, ensuring they are inclusive and supportive of all identities. 

Overall, as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community in aviation and at PSA Airlines, I strive to make a positive impact by promoting understanding, acceptance, and respect for diversity, thereby contributing to a more inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and strengthening our reputation as an employer of choice that prioritizes diversity and equity.