In a rapidly advancing world, we are becoming more welcoming and accepting of a wider range of people's thoughts and outlooks on life.
This week, London Underground workers have been told to ditch the greeting of 'ladies and gentlemen' in a bid to help inclusion.
Transport for London (TfL) workers are now encouraged to use phrases such as 'good morning everyone' as the city takes steps to become gender-neutral.
Advert
Guidance will be written for staff, with pre-recorded announcements set for an overhaul.
Credit: PA
Mark Evans, director of customer strategy at TfL, said: "We want everyone to feel welcome on our transport network.
Advert
"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."
The motion for change has been increased in recent months, with the idea stemming from a Mayor's Question Time last month.
The point was raised by Green Party politician Sian Berry, with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, responding: "I am aware that some customers may not relate to, or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.
Advert
Credit: PA
"I am keen that TfL addresses these concerns by speaking in a more neutral way when referring to gender.
"TfL has made a commitment to transition from gender-specific phrases like 'ladies and gentlemen', which are currently used in announcements, to a gender-neutral alternative such as 'good morning/good afternoon everyone'."
The Mayor said that the 'well-meaning' staff had been briefed, but occasionally they make the error of still using sexes in their phrasing. If that is the case, then they will be gently reminded what to say.
Advert
Last week, in an effort to show their support for London Pride, tube stations across London united in decorating station signs in the rainbow colours so synonymous with the LGBT+ community.
The support was well received, and another step in the right direction, with many on social media throwing their weight behind the move.
Last week, Canada issued its first ever genderless health card, as parent Kori Doty campaigned to keep the sex of baby Searyl off all official records.
Advert
Kori, who is non-binary (identifying as neither female or male), defended their position on Good Morning Britain.
Credit: ITV / Good Morning Britain
They argued that a 'visual inspection' of a baby is not capable of determining what gender a person will identify as when they grow up.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Transport for London
