No Longer Ladies And Gentlemen...?

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Report below from today's Evening Standard. What are your thoughts? Is this a wise use of funds, or political correctness gone mad?

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Transport workers across London have been told to stop using the words “ladies and gentlemen” in tannoy announcements to customers in a city-wide bid to become more gender-neutral.

Bosses at Transport for London told staff to use terms such as “good morning everyone” instead of the more traditional gendered greeting.

All new pre-recorded announcements are also set to be changed to new phrases.

If follows months of campaigning by LGBTQ+ activists who appealed to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to change the “outdated” language which is commonly used by train and bus drivers.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Revised phrasing will be applied"
Bernard Reed OBE, a trustee of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society which aims to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people, welcomed the news.

A spokesman for charity Stonewall 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.

“We welcome gender neutral announcements to be rolled out across TfL, as it will ensure that everyone – no matter who they identify as - feels accounted for.”


Equality campaigner and transgender woman Aimee Challenor, who pushed Mayor Sadiq Khan to take action in December last year, called it a “positive commitment from TfL” but that there still is confusion among staff over which terms to use.
Transport for London told the Standard they plan to work through the written guidance given to staff before reviewing and updating it "as quickly as we can".

Speaking at Mayor’s Question Time towards the end of last month, Mr Khan said: “Transport for London (TfL) serves a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city, and provision of an inclusive transport service is at the heart of TfL's purpose.

“I am aware however, 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 when referring to gender.

“TfL has briefed its staff on this, though from time to time, well-meaning staff may still use the term 'ladies and gentlemen'. If this happens frequently, TfL will issue reminders to staff.

“Revised phrasing will be applied to new pre-recorded announcements made across the network.”

[naomi24]

RobNorth at 18:30 Thu, on occasions like that it could become just a bit confusing.....

[whiskeryron]

How about "Watcha You Lot"

[Mamyalynne]

I am trying hard to imagine being bothered by not being addressed as a lady via a tannoy message - and I can't.

[naomi24]

If only the people who are creating this nonsense felt as nonchalant!

[Mamyalynne]

I may launch the Nonchalance Campaign, we might not get much done till a week next Michaelmas though.

[Cloverjo]

I don't mind being addressed as 'a lady' in public announcements. If anyone trans or non-gender-specific doesn't identify as a lady or a gentlemen he/she/they can surely accept that it's just a polite term for addressing a lot of people.

[sp1814]

"Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone".

Fine by me. Actually, I think it's quite nice - less formal and more friendly.

Good stuff.

[johnk]

What's wrong with "Oi! You lot''

[WELSHYORKIE]

yo, bitches and dudes........ nah, I don't think that would work, somehow...