Why an 'inclusion first' sign at a busy Aussie airport baffled passengers: 'Do I fit in here?'

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:36, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 03:55, 23 July 2026 An Aussie has claimed that an 'inclusion first' screening sign created confusion for other passengers at a busy airport.   Find Ya Feet mental health charity founder Tommy Herschell was travelling through Gold Coast Airport this week. He said he noticed a sign outside the security screening entrance that included the phrase 'inclusion first'. Passengers travelling with young children, the disabled and those with hidden disabilities (represented by a sunflower) are among those who can use the designated screening assistance lane. The sign also featured four flags to represent transgender, non-binary, intersex and genderqueer communities.  'The word on there was inclusion but for me, all it created was confusion,' Herschell told 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham. 'I've got no issues with what's going on in the world in 2026 but realistically, all it created was exclusion and exclusiveness. 'All I felt was, "Do I fit in here?"' An 'inclusion first' sign welcomes a wide range of groups to use the screening assistance lane at Gold Coast Airport Find Ya Feet founder Tommy Herschell said that the sign sparked confusion among passengers He added that many other travellers were just as baffled. 'I saw a lot of other people not sure where they should go,' Herschell said. 'It was creating more time and more of a hold-up.  'We've got this issue where we're trying to include and do all these things - which is great, but all we're really creating is division. 'That sign didn't need to be there.'  Gold Coast Airport states on its website that it is committed to ensuring a comfortable and supportive security screening experience for all passengers. A spokeswoman said the 'inclusion first' signage has been in place for 12 months. Travellers do not need to provide proof to use the screening assistance lane. Any passenger who may need extra time or support during the security screening process can use the designated lane Does creating special airport lanes for gender-diverse travellers unite or divide our communities? What's your view?'The Inclusion First signage is an important visual indicator of inclusion and understanding and can be particularly reassuring for travellers who may be feeling anxious during their journey through the airport,' the spokeswoman told Daily Mail. 'Positioned in front of one of the screening lanes, the signage identifies a lane for any passenger who may need extra time or support during the screening process.  'It is not a priority lane, but rather a space where people can feel comfortable taking the time they need.  'This may include people with physical or hidden disabilities, families travelling with young children, the elderly and gender-diverse travellers. 'The symbols featured on the signage represent universal accessibility, family screening, hidden disabilities, and transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender-diverse communities, reflecting our commitment to creating an environment where every passenger feels respected, supported and included.' Around 6.5million passengers pass through Gold Coast Airport each year, making it Australia's fifth-busiest.