Farmers is investigating after an Auckland trans woman says she was described as a ‘half woman’ by a staff member at the retail chain today. Mitchell Harvey and Mary Haddock-Staniland Media personality Mary Haddock-Staniland says she was asked by staff member in the women’s fashion department if she was a man or woman, then described within earshot to other shoppers as ‘half woman’. “As a trans person, mild humiliation is sadly par for the course when shopping; I use the women’s changing rooms and ask if my best friend can come in with me, a reasonable request and one I’m sure they get all the time,” she says. “But this was on another level. I am a customer like any other, there to shop, not to be laughed at, not served and described loudly to other customers as in a derogatory way.” Her friend Mitchell Harvey was present. He says he has never been in such a situation. “I was gobsmacked that such a thing could happen.” Haddock-Staniland says she is speaking out because it’s an opportunity to ask New Zealand businesses to take a look at their diversity training practices. “No person of any kind should be treated this way,” she says. “But let’s use this is a chance to make a change in our society.” Farmers says it’s taking the matter very seriously and is already investigating. “Farmers is very supportive of the transgender community, in fact just last week we had Attitude TV filming a piece in one of our stores where we provided a makeover transformation to a young transgender customer. Our staff (also transgender) was the beauty consultant,” it says in a statement. “Farmers does not discriminate against anyone and welcomes all people into our stores. We apologise to Mitchell Harvey and best friend Mary Haddock-Staniland for the experience they had. Our senior executive is currently in store speaking to our Botany staff.” A spokesperson for Haddock-Staniland says the response across social media has been immediate and hugely supportive.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 30th June 2015 - 3:23pm