Agender is expressing support for Farmers’ move to gender neutral fitting rooms. The retail chain is making the change as part of its response after an Auckland trans woman was asked if she was a man or a woman by a shop assistant, then described within earshot to other shoppers as ‘half woman’. National transgender advocacy and support group Agender is making it clear its current leadership team supports the move from Farmers, despite a former President telling The Paul Henry Show she, in her personal opinion, didn’t believe it was necessary. The coverage of her interview makes it sound like she still speaks on behalf of Agender, which she does not - and told the show before being interviewed. Current President Lynda Whitehead has written to Farmers to thank it for its support for the trans community and make it clear the group backs the change. “Whilst a number of our community are treated with respect and civility, it’s sad to say that sometimes many are not,” Whitehead says in the letter. She says Farmers has shown it’s a forward-thinking and compassionate company, which cares about the welfare of its customers. “I know that many trans people already feel that they can shop with ease at Farmers and we now hope that others will follow your lead.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 22nd July 2015 - 11:38am