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Santiago, Chile-based LAN Airlines announced it has launched a gay website called LANdiversity.com to showcase “the diversity found throughout South America” and also to act as a resource for LGBT travelers throughout South America.

It is not, however, the only airline to court the gay community.

Virgin America, Southwest Court Gay Flyers

A number of U.S. airlines have also reached out to gay travelers over the years. For example, San Francisco-based Virgin America has long aligned itself through sponsorships with the famous San Francisco Pride parade while Dallas-based Southwest boasts its diversity outreach.

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As it says on the latter’s website, “At Southwest, we support the GLBT Community because we are the GLBT Community.” The site also notes its status as ‘official airline’ for the following organizations:

• Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
• Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA)
• National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

The ‘Lesbian Kiss’ Controversy

The relationship between Southwest and the gay community may have been tested last year when “L-Word” actress Leisha Hailey and her female companion were kicked off a Southwest plane when an argument broke out. Apparently, the women took exception to a flight attendant who allegedly chastised the women after they shared a kiss.

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However, on the airline’s GLBT Outreach page, the message remains the same: “We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.”