At home at KLM
At KLM, we believe you are at your best when you can be yourself. That is why it is important to us that everyone feels seen, heard, and welcome regardless of who you are or whom you love. During WorldPride in Amsterdam, we are giving the floor to five colleagues who share their personal stories. After all, by making space for everyone’s story, we ensure that everyone can feel at home at KLM.
I don’t have to pretend to be anyone other than myself here. My colleagues simply see me as Wladimir. That sounds simple, but it is incredibly valuable. When you can be yourself, you have energy left for your work and for the things that really matter. It saddens me that the acceptance of LHBTIQ+ people isn't a given everywhere. That is precisely why it is important to be visible and to get to know one another.Wladimir, Passenger Service Agent
When I put on the uniform, I thought: 'This is it. This is where I belong.' At KLM, I found not only a career but also an environment where I dared to be myself. I felt seen and was surrounded by kind colleagues who supported and guided me. For the first time, I felt free. By now, KLM feels a bit like family. It is a place where I can be myself and where I feel heard.Huub, Purser
When my mother said, "The only thing you have left now is your KLM suitcase," I immediately thought: yes, I do still have that. And I am proud of it. That KLM suitcase represented my freedom, my independence, and everything I had built for myself. Later, it took on an even deeper meaning. That suitcase stood not only for freedom and independence but also for my colleagues—for the social safety net I found at KLM.Wendy, Senior Purser
I wanted to challenge myself. As a young trainee, I wondered whether I would fit into that rather tough, masculine environment in Hangar 11. There, I learned that it’s simple: if you take people seriously, they take you seriously too. My sexual orientation played no role whatsoever. I could simply be myself. That was liberating.Maarten, Country Director Mexico
At KLM, I feel completely accepted. Colleagues are curious about my drag queen performances; they ask questions and sometimes even come to watch. I think that’s truly amazing. Follow your heart. Do what you enjoy. KLM takes good care of you, and there are always people who will listen if you’re going through something.Rutger, Cabin Attendant
Building an inclusive workplace together
The stories of our colleagues show how important it is to be able to be yourself at work. At KLM, we believe an inclusive workplace starts with the people who help build it every day. That's why we're proud to have achieved Pride Advocate status, recognising our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
This recognition is not a finish line, but a reflection of what we stand for as an organisation. We remain committed to fostering a culture where differences are embraced, open conversations are encouraged and everyone has the opportunity to be themselves. Because when everyone feels they belong, we can bring out the best in ourselves and in each other.
WorldPride 2026
WorldPride 2026 will be the biggest Pride celebration ever held in our capital city. Together with Delta Air Lines, we are proud to support this unique event as an official airline partner, bringing thousands of passengers from around the world to Amsterdam to celebrate together.
At KLM, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. As an international airline, we have been connecting people, cultures and perspectives for more than a century. That's why we believe it's important that everyone feels welcome, valued and respected — on board, in the workplace and beyond.