Ladies, gents, whichever
Early shift manager, Bernadette Moat has been instrumental in introducing a gender-neutral toilet facility in Home Counties North Mail Centre.
Today, Bernadette, who is a member of our LGBT+ & Friends Allies network and Women’s steering group, has agreed to share the very personal story behind getting the gender-neutral loo installed.
‘Hi, I’m Bernie – I’m the first female shift manager at NCN Mail Centre,’ said Bernadette. ‘I’m also a mum of five, step mum of three and nan to five, with another on the way!
‘This time last year, my youngest, who is now 14, was self-harming and suffering from suicidal thoughts. Luckily through Royal Mail, I’m first-aid trained in mental health, which definitely helped.
‘Last Christmas, Sophie told me that she felt that she was in the wrong body and she wanted to be a boy. She said she wanted to be called “Ashton” and have her hair cut short. I immediately wrapped my arms around Sophie with love and told her that it didn’t matter and I would never stop loving her.
‘In March, it was Ashton’s birthday and we went shopping for new clothes. All the dresses and leggings were changed to joggers, men’s jeans and boxer shorts. I then jumped on everything I could to learn and educate myself.
‘At the end of June, I took Ashton to the hairdressers to get his beautiful long golden hair cut short. He smiled from ear to ear all the way home and took off the woolly hat he’d worn for months.
‘I’ve since been put in touch with another mum here at Royal Mail with a similar story and have been reminded that I’m not alone. Ash has taught me so much and equally, taught my friends, family and colleagues too.
‘In June, I took Ash to work for a work experience day to shadow me. But when I asked him if he wanted to use the toilets, he shook his head and didn’t go all day. At the time we had a single cubicle and shower at HCN, which were labelled with a female only sign. When I suggested to my plant manager that it could be an “all-gender cubicle”, he agreed and immediately ordered the sign. Now anyone can use that toilet or shower and be themselves.’
LGBT+ & Friends
Our LGBT+ & Friends steering group aims to celebrate our diverse workforce; help colleagues be themselves and establish Royal Mail as a true champion of LGBT+ colleagues and the wider LGBT+ community.
You can contact them or subscribe to their newsletter by emailing: LGBT&Friends@royalmail.com. If you want to join their protected Facebook group, just email with your pay number and the email address you use to sign into Facebook and they will send you an invite.
If you would like to set up a local network or get involved in the main LGBT+ & Friends steering group email LGBT&Friends@royalmail.com and let them know what you would like to do.
