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National Gay Pilots Association
The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the group supports LGBT members of the aviation community through providing a social and professional network, advocating for equal treatment, and encouraging LGBT youth to pursue careers in aviation.

Contents


 * 1) History
 * 2) Advocacy and Involvement
 * 3) References
 * 4) External Links

History
In 1990, a handful of gay pilots gathered in Provincetown, Massachusetts, coordinating their meeting by responding to a telephone ad. Anonymity was maintained by using discreet airplane symbols on their clothing, since they risked either losing their jobs or dishonorable discharge from the military for being gay. Over the next eight years, the group expanded, promoting awareness for LGBT aviators through the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Trade-a-Plane, and Flying Magazine.

In 1998, the education fund was born to inspire youth to go into aviation, giving scholarships totaling $4,000, and to date has provided over $500,000 to students. Two named scholarships are awarded, one for Steven Moore, a prior executive director, and David Charlebois, First Officer on American Airlines Flight 77 and member of NGPA.

2015 saw the first NGPA Expo, an annual event since, hosting representation from nearly every airline, aviation businesses, flight schools, and the FAA. Featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and educational seminars, the expo hosts over 1,500 attendees each year.

Today, the NGPA is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world, and works towards the elimination of homophobia and transphobia in the aviation industry.