London Tube Makes Announcements Gender-Neutral

The famous London Underground will not use the words “ladies and gentlemen” to start announcements. The staff is instructed to use a gender neutral term. According to The Telegraph, from now on, a message will start as follows: “Hello everyone!” or “Good morning everyone!”

The transport administration introduces the new approach because all passengers must be welcome on the capital’ transport network. The London mayor Sadiq Khan supported the initiative, and the LGBT also welcomed the decision.

“We have reviewed the language that we use in announcements and elsewhere and will make sure that it is fully inclusive, reflecting the great diversity of London,” says Mark Evers of Transport for London.

Nevertheless, the transport company is aware of the fact that it can not be excluded that the staff will use the words “ladies and gentlemen” sometimes. “But if that happens, we will remind them,” they say in their communication.

Stonewall, a London gay association, said that language is very important for the LGBT community, and it should make everyone feel involved.

Of course, some terms like “Mind the gap” and “Stand clear of the closing doors” will never change.