BBC Radio Interview With Liz Green: Should Changing Rooms Be Gender Neutral?

BBC RADIO LEEDS – INTERVIEW WITH LIZ GREEN

The BBC asked me to comment on a Metro article where a shopper says John Lewis fitting room policy ‘puts women at risk.’

I talk with Liz about my views on this and what needs to be in place BEFORE a retailer opens up their changing rooms to everyone.

MY THOUGHTS

Gender inclusive changing rooms are not new. Major retailers across the UK such as:

have been doing this for some time. Sadly, the policies don’t help if staff aren’t trained properly.

I think before we open up the changing rooms to be gender neutral, retailers need to consider:

Gender neutral changing rooms need to be safe spaces.
Retailers need to improve privacy in cubicles – have a lockable door instead of curtains.
Safeguarding is key.
A policy needs to be in place, including actions to be taken when safeguarding is breached.
Consider rules for appropriate and inappropriate behaviour and display these clearly in the changing rooms.
They need to be staffed at all times.
Mandatory training needs to be provided for ALL staff.
Inappropriate behaviour is challenged. Action is taken when the need arises.

It is all in the preparation.

Consider all this, then go for it.

I would love to see more gender neutral fitting rooms. And stores organised in a way other than by male/female sections!

What do you think? Should the UK have gender neutral changing rooms?

I’d love to know if:

provide MANDATORY, regular LGBT training for ALL staff. This is where the real change will occur.

Date: 18th November 2019