Mind the gender gap!

Tube announcers are told: Don’t say ‘ladies and gentlemen’ or you might upset our LGBT passengers

TRAIN announcers have been banned from using phrases such as ‘ ladies and gentlemen’ – in case they offend transgender passengers.

Staff on London’s bus, Tube and rail networks will be told to use terms such as ‘good morning everyone’ instead.

Transport for London says its workers must not assume the gender of commuters.

All recorded announcements that are gender- specific will be changed and TfL will instruct customer service staff and its train and bus drivers to speak in a more neutral way.

The move follows months of lobbying by LGBT campaigners, who argue that modes of address such as ‘sir’ and ‘madam’ belong in the past and need to be updated to reflect the broad spectrum of modern gender identities.

Although some commuters said it was ludicrous and accused TfL of getting its priorities wrong, London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the move.

He said: ‘I am aware that some customers may not relate to or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.

‘I am keen that TfL addresses these concerns by speaking in a more neutral way. TfL has made a commitment to transition from gender- specific phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” which are currently used in announcements, to a gender-neutral alternative such as “good morning/good afternoon everyone”.’

Campaigner Bernard Reed, of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society, said: ‘GIRES has been supporting TfL’s efforts to increase trans awareness among its staff.

‘People have a broad spectrum of gender identities. These diverse identities are increasingly recognised and respected within society. The terms “ladies”, “gentlemen”, “sir” or “madam” are intended to be polite but really belong to yesterday.

‘Moreover, using them inappropriately can cause great distress. A deep voice does not always indicate that the caller is a man, or a high voice that the caller is a woman.’

Stonewall, the LGBT equality charity, said: ‘ Language is extremely important to the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community, and the way we use it can help ensure all people feel included.’

However one Londoner commented online: ‘Anyone who can’t identify as either a lady or gentleman is likely to have to cope with much worse things in life.’ And another said: ‘I’d rather they put more effort into providing a clean, punctual and efficient service.’