Celebrating the Power of Love and Kindness

Growing up with four siblings, my house was always filled with family and friends, and there was never a shortage of love, laughter and support.

But the society I grew up in told me it wasn’t OK to be different. Like so many, I was afraid to be me and lose all of that love and acceptance from my family and friends when they learned my truth. To my surprise, when I came out as gay, they embraced me with open arms. I felt more love than ever before, and I realized how lucky I was to have such a supportive family — one that treats each other with kindness, loves unconditionally and, most importantly, celebrates what makes us different.

That has become my mission in life, as well. And, when I discovered my love of travel, I decided that no matter where I was or what I was doing, I was going to spread the same love and kindness I was shown everywhere I went.

At American Airlines, I’m able to do just that. Every flight I’m on is an opportunity for me to have an impact — no matter how small — on the lives of hundreds of people in a single day. Whether I’m trying to make a customer laugh or help ease their nerves in flight, I am always on a mission to care for you on your journey, celebrating our differences and starting a chain reaction of kindness.

I’m proud to be part of a company that not only accepts me for who I am but encourages me to bring my whole self to work every day and on every flight, a company that puts far more value in what we have in common than what divides us. So, this Pride Month — and every day — I celebrate love, kindness and all the things in between that bring us together.

On behalf of American and my colleagues worldwide, I welcome you as you are and thank you for flying with us today.

Juan Carlos (JC) Watson

Flight Attendant

Peru (LIM)