One of Lyft’s core values is to ‘be yourself,’ and to that end, Lyft has announced new initiatives and product features as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and the St. Louis LGBTQ+ community ahead of Pride Month.

What’s remarkable is that the new award winning policies were created internally, by members of Lyft’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, LyftOUT.

Lyft Employee, Nicole Sgarlato, explained the impact inclusive policies have had on her life. “Lyft was one of the first job openings I applied to after starting my transition due to their values in diversity and equality. I was ecstatic when I got the job. It was the first time in my life people acknowledged my identity as a woman and accepted me for who I am. Because of Lyft’s inclusive culture, I have been able to gain confidence and strength in my identity that would not have been possible otherwise.”

“Lyft played such an important part in my journey, coming full circle in helping their efforts to support the transgender community at large has been a privilege and an honor. I cannot express how grateful I am for taking part in this year’s Pride campaign.”

Pronouns in the Passenger App

Lyft will be introduce personal pronouns into their passenger app, giving passengers the option to select between the following list. Drivers will be able to see the pronoun that the passenger has selected:
1. They/Them/Theirs
2. She/Her/Hers
3. He/Him/His
4. My pronoun isn’t listed (edited)
5. Prefer not to say

Name Changing Support for Drivers

In order to support our transgender drivers, Lyft is offering free resources through National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) advising on the name change process. The ride sharing company is also providing $200 financial support per driver for name change fees, executed in partnership with NCTE.

The initiative lays out comprehensive protections and benefits for Lyft employees in a clear and courageous way, that is especially progressive for companies that rely on zero-hour contracts.

“The legal name change process is an economic and bureaucratic burden on transgender people nationwide. The cost alone denies many people the human dignity of living as their true self and transgender people across the country know the pain of being forced to carry a name that is not their own,” said, Mara Keisling, Executive Director of National Center for Transgender Equality, explaining why the policy is important.

“We at NCTE are so excited to be working with Lyft on this vital and innovative project. We thank Lyft for supporting its drivers in this important recognition of their humanity, their identity, and their liberty.

St. Louis Pride

In addition to marching in St. Louis’ 2019 Pride Parade on June 30th, Lyft will also be sponsoring the first Sunday Supper at the Pride Center this Sunday, June 2nd.

As a company, Lyft places an emphasis on upholding an inclusive and diverse environment – whether it’s during a ride or at a Driver Hub.

“We’re proud to give our rider communities the option to select their preferred pronouns, as well as partner with the National Center for Transgender Equality to support our driver community during their name change process,” said Joe Schlichter, Market Manager, Lyft St. Louis.

“At Lyft, one of our core values is to ‘be yourself.’ We’re incredibly excited to celebrate and acknowledge the many important eras, people, moments and events that have led to this celebration and show our support for the LGBTQ+ community.”