66-year-old Katie Yeomans is demanding $3,300 in compensation and apology after she was called ‘sir’ by Southern Rail staff.
The transgender woman said she needed pills to sleep after staff called her ‘sir’ two times. The first time was when she asked a question and the second time happened when she asked for a platform number.
Miss Yeomans is demanding an apology, compensation, and training for Southern Rail’s staff.
The company said it has checked into the incident ‘thoroughly’ and disputes the claims.
She told The Brighton Argus: “It is diabolical. I care because I spent five years transitioning and I have all of my legal documentation.
“So whether people like it or not I am a woman and I expect to be treated as a woman. I don’t expect to be treated as a man.”
Miss Yeomans is upset that despite having surgery two years ago, she was called ‘sir’ two times by Southern Rail Staff.
On the first occasion, she said that she was told to ‘take a seat, sir’ when trying to speak to a staff member.
On the other occasion, two weeks later, Miss Yeomans said that she was told ‘platform number one, sir’ when she asked staff what platform the Brighton train was on.
“I find it insulting how people will call me sir and find that acceptable. As you can see from photos, I always present myself as very female.
“This is not the first time I have suffered this type of discrimination. Most companies have apologized and promised to improve things to ensure it never happens again.”
Miss Yeomans said she believes it is also her duty to stand up for other trans women. “The resolution I’m looking for is an apology.
“I also want reassurance that their equality and diversity training is up to scratch. In view of stress and anxiety this case has caused me, I am seeking compensation.”
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