BBC diversity training focuses on developing ‘trans brand’

BBC staff have been told there are more than 150 genders and to develop their “trans brand” by declaring their pronouns on email signoffs.

The Sunday Telegraph has obtained pages of materials provided to radio staff by Global Butterflies, a littleknown transgender group, which the BBC drafted in for numerous training sessions in the summer and autumn of last year. Emails were sent to BBC radio producers and programme editors, some from heads of departments, urging them to attend the diversity classes.

During the sessions, leaked to this newspaper, staff were shown an array of gender-neutral pronouns they should use including “xe, xem, xyrs”, and were told: “People can self-identify themselves in over 150 ways, and increasing!”

Staff were told they should include their pronouns in email signature boxes to be “part of your trans brand” as an “inclusive and welcoming… brilliant show of ally support”. The Global Butterflies trainer told staff that “he/she” pronouns “can create “discomfort, stress and anxiety” for gender nonconforming people and “it has been shown that in young trans people, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks”.

The diversity training, at least five

‘If you overhear a colleague using incorrect pronouns for someone, remind them of the correct pronouns’

sessions of which were held, warned: “If you overhear a colleague using the incorrect pronouns for someone, take them aside and remind them of the correct pronouns.”

Staff were shown a diagram of pronoun badges that they could wear around offices, and shown how to use gender pronouns on-air. They were also urged to avoid the terms transsexual and transvestite, and told “nudging” or “staring” are transphobic.

Last night, serious concerns were raised over impartiality. A whistleblower told The Sunday Telegraph that the BBC is “suppressing stories” that challenge trans activism and claimed there is a “tight-knit cabal at the top of BBC News who give tacit approval to gender ideology”.

Last night, the BBC declined to say how much the Global Butterflies training cost but has now cut ties. A spokesman said: “Third party voluntary training material does not instruct BBC staff, but is available to increase awareness and understanding. There is no link to, or influence on, any editorial decision making and to suggest otherwise is wrong. As we have said many times before, the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines are sacrosanct, our staff know this and they understand their responsibilities.”

Global Butterflies did not respond to a request for comment.