TRANS SPACE
What it means to be Transgender
A person who identifies with a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth. This includes transgender men (assigned female at birth but identify as male), transgender women (assigned male at birth but identify as female), and non-binary individuals (who do not identify as male or female).
Trans Inclusion in the Workplace
Ashby Winch (They/Them) | NEXT Application Architect, Warehouse Systems
Ashby Winch (They/Them) | NEXT Application Architect, Warehouse Systems
Gender is Complicated
Everyone experiences their gender differently. People are transgender if the gender they identify with is not the same as the one that was originally written on their birth certificate.
Some transgender people don’t identify with a single gender but feel that they are neither, or both, or that their gender is fluid and changes over time. These individuals often identify as non-binary.
Is that the same as being gay?
Nope! Transgender people can be gay, straight, bisexual or asexual just like anyone else.
My colleague is Trans what should I do?
Don’t panic! There are some straightforward things you can do to support your trans colleague.
Use their new name and pronouns if they ask you to. It will feel strange at first, and you’ll probably get it wrong a few times by accident. That’s not a big deal – just apologise briefly and move on. Practice helps!
Don’t “out” your colleague by telling other people they’re transgender, unless you’re really sure your colleague is OK with that. Sadly, transphobia and bullying is still something a lot of trans people experience, so it’s very important for them to be in control of when they come out (if ever) and who to.
Support your colleague in using the bathroom of the gender they identify as – if they want to.
Politely remind your other colleagues, guests or customers of the correct name and pronouns if necessary.
Respect the trans person’s privacy by avoiding questions about medical details, genitals and surgeries.
Your colleague is “transgender” or “trans”.
The words “tranny” and “transsexual” have historically been used as slurs – sadly, if you use these words it’s often an unpleasant reminder of all the people who yell abuse on the street.Be friendly, respectful and supportive just the same as you would with anyone else! Your trans colleague is the same person now as they were before they came out to you – just happier to know you’re an ally
Trans Stories
Teddy Spoteri (He/Him) | NEXT Retail
Teddy Spoteri (He/Him) | NEXT Retail
Tell us about your role and career at NEXT.
My career at Next started when I immigrated to the UK for my studies. I applied for a delivery position at the Glossop Store, and the rest is history. Have been with the company ever since, becoming an 'all rounder' member of staff, working on both delivery and shop floor.
Working at Next has definitely been a learning process, but all in all it has helped me grow as a person. Moving away from the shy and awkward individual that walked into store all those years ago. I also have my work colleagues to thank for that. They have always been so supportive and understanding, and for that I am so grateful.
I am happy in my job role and feel so fortunate to work with such an inclusive company.
Tell us about you as an LGBT+ person or ally
I am a gay trans man. Coming out at work was genuinely one of the hardest things I have ever done. Was especially difficult because I have worked at the same store for so many years, as well as everyone knowing me as my birth name and gender.
To be honest I had resigned myself to staying closeted to avoid peoples judgement and possible upset on the matter. I also didn't know how to broach the subject with my manager or what stance Next had on trans and non binary staff in the work place. It was both frightening and upsetting. I just wanted to be seen as myself and accepted.
For the next 2 years I carried on as normal, telling myself that this is for the best and that it wasn't worth losing my job over. But my mental health began to deteriorate and had started to affect my work life. I became more reserved and quiet, prone to bouts of sadness, with no end in sight.
Until a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. With the introduction of Yapster's LGBT+ Network group and thanks to the hard work of Andrew Jurd and Darren Hopkins. After reading about the Stonewall seminar they had attended, that covered the inclusion of trans and non binary people in the workplace, I felt like I could finally come out without fear of being misunderstood and judged. I had a private meeting with my store manager, which was Darren Hopkins at the time, and he helped me through every step of the way. Just taking it at a pace I felt most comfortable with. To my surprise every one of my colleagues accepted me without question. Am so blessed to have so many amazing people around me, and I can't thank them enough for being so supportive and understanding.
I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be referred to in my correct pronouns and name. I am 3 months on testosterone today and I am the happiest I have ever felt.
I do still get misgendered by customers, which can make me feel dysphoric, but I find it a bit easier to deal with because of the support of my team and managers. I feel so fortunate to work for such an inclusive company. I cannot fault how my case was handled and feel secure in knowing there is a place for LGBT+ people at Next. Thank you for paving the way for others.
Do you have an important person in your life that you would like to tell us about?
My partner Victor has been my rock through all this. He is such a caring and amazing person. Feel lucky to have found him.
Support Resources
Who are Trans in the City?
Trans in the City is a not for profit global corporate collaboration that raises trans and non binary education and support in business through:
• Collaborative sharing of contacts and best practices across industry
• Providing a wealth of role models and speakers
• Access to consultancy and training
• Events
How they work with NEXT
• Advocating for Trans inclusion
• Building effective Allies Programmes
• Creating change as a Network Group
• Developing new LGBTQ+ talent globally
• Amplifying Power and Voice by Collaboration
• LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support
• LGBTQ+ inclusion in the fourth industrial revolution
Diversity Champion
NEXT is a proud member of
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions
Programme.
A huge range of organisations make up the 900+ members of the Diversity Champions programme. Each of them knows their context best and how to use Stonewall’s guidance and support to make their workplace more LGBTQ+ inclusive.
