All Aboard Amtrak's Journey to LGBT Inclusivity

All Aboard the LGBT Amtrak

America's railroad system has played an important role in the nation's transportation infrastructure for over a century. Amtrak, officially known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, has been providing intercity rail service across 46 states since 1971. What many don't realize is that Amtrak has also been at the forefront of LGBT inclusivity and representation.

Leading the Way in LGBT Support

As society's attitudes towards the LGBT community have evolved, Amtrak has made great strides to create a welcoming, safe environment for its LGBT passengers and employees. Amtrak was one of the first travel companies to implement domestic partner benefits in the 1990s. By the early 2000s, their non-discrimination policies were expanded to include gender identity and expression.

Amtrak also scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for their inclusive LGBT policies. From transgender-inclusive healthcare to ongoing LGBT diversity training, Amtrak sets the standard for supporting equality.

Partnerships for Pride

In June 2019, Amtrak announced a year-long partnership with The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. Train cars were wrapped with the message “Ride with Pride” in rainbow lettering to demonstrate solidarity with the LGBT community.

Amtrak also sponsors yearly trips to massive Pride celebrations across the country. The Pride Train offers discounted fares and comfortable rides so passengers can travel in style to major Pride events. There's no better way to arrive at Pride than on the Pride Train!

A Message of Acceptance

While laws and policies are important for equality, cultural attitudes often move slower. That's why Amtrak frequently features LGBT riders and couples in their advertisements and promotional materials.

“Ride with Pride” isn't just a slogan for Amtrak. From welcoming same-sex couples in brutally honest ways. Amtrak makes it clear that discrimination has no place on America’s railroad.

Full Steam Ahead with Inclusivity

The history of discrimination against marginalized groups in the United States cannot be erased overnight. But companies like Amtrak are setting an admirable example of how to promote equality and representation for the LGBT community.

By implementing inclusive policies, partnerships, and messaging, Amtrak creates a welcoming, supportive environment for its LGBT riders and employees. Their leadership in the transportation industry demonstrates that supporting equality and diversity makes both ethical and business sense.

As society continues to make progress towards acceptance and equity, Amtrak's commitment to the LGBT community will keep them on the right side of history. All aboard for inclusivity!

FAQs

When did Amtrak first offer domestic partner benefits?

Amtrak was one of the first travel companies to implement domestic partner benefits in the 1990s.

What score did Amtrak receive on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index?

Amtrak scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for their inclusive LGBT policies.

What is the name of Amtrak's Pride Train service?

Amtrak sponsors yearly trips to Pride events across the country called the Pride Train.

What organization did Amtrak partner with in 2019 to support LGBTQ youth?

In June 2019, Amtrak announced a partnership with The Trevor Project, which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth.