How to Reframe Gendered Language in Hospitality
Gendered language is all around us…and nowhere more so than in the hospitality industry, where it has become synonymous with etiquette.
- “Welcome ladies and gentlemen.”
- “Sir, may I take your bags?”
- “We are delighted to have you stay with us madam, let me show you to your room.”
Last week the inimitable Chris King, CEO of Lightning Travel Recruitment, and I travelled to the Pan Pacific London, a five-star hotel in London to deliver training to a room full of engaged hospitality enthusiasts, keen to gain a better understanding of how to deliver their unrivalled luxury experience to any trans and non-binary guests staying in their hotel.
Chris shared their experiences of navigating the world of travel as a non-binary individual and shed light on some of the challenges gender-diverse people face on a daily basis. I talked about trans awareness and inclusion, did a little myth busting and together we provided some simple, super practical tips that staff of the Pan Pacific could put into immediate effect, to take the fear out of “getting it wrong.”
Our presentation looked at ways of reframing our thinking to ensure that, as our society becomes more comfortable with challenging gender norms and the hospitality industry begins to welcome more and more trans and non-binary individuals through their doors, we can ensure that ALL guests feel seen, valued and equally welcome.
