BABTAC shares support for transgender patients
The Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) estimates that around one per cent of the UK population experiences a degree of gender diversity.
Transgender Awareness Week (November 13–29), aims to provide education about transgender people and the issues associated with their transition and identity. In support, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) is urging professionals to ensure their workspaces remain inclusive for all genders with its Diversity and Inclusivity Best Practice guide.
The guide has been created with the insight of BABTAC’s gender inclusivity expert, Sam Marshall (She/Her), who is also the founder of Be Trans Aware, a company that offers inclusivity training to businesses. BABTAC's document will be available for its 10,000 members, providing tangible steps to make their business a welcoming and safe space for all.
The new guide is just one of many educational tools and benefits offered to members by BABTAC. It includes essential advice including understanding gender identity terms, phrases to avoid, and the importance of pronouns.
Commenting on the importance of gender inclusivity within the industry, Lesley Blair MBE (She/Her), chief executive and chairperson of BABTAC and CIBTAC says “As beauty therapists, our very purpose, regardless of what treatment we perform, is to improve our client’s overall wellbeing, including boosting their self-esteem and self-confidence. Intolerance or ignorance should have no place in our salons, so making sure we’re always reflecting and improving our businesses to be more inclusive is key to holding us accountable.”
Marshall shares some key takeaways and advice from the document:
Keep educating yourself
“Education is everything! A better understanding of all people’s perspectives and experiences helps eradicate discrimination and builds tolerance and understanding.” The industry has access to brilliant training resources, including trans awareness training courses for salon teams.
Look at your client forms and consultation cards
“If you use or require titles for anything, add in Mx as a gender-neutral option (as opposed to just Mr, Mrs, Ms etc).”
Audit how you present your company
“Take a look over your branding, salon, website, social media, marketing etc. When you look across all of these areas, what does it look like? Does it convey a welcoming and safe space for all?”
Make treatments gender neutral
“If you still need to have some gender-specific ones to attract some clients, but make sure the rest of your treatment menu is gender-neutral.”
“Beauty plays a key part in many transgender people’s lives, and it’s essential that industry professionals are sensitive not only to their feelings but to the physical changes they’re going through, too." Says Blair. "The treatment room is an intimate space where everyone should feel comfortable and at ease, and we need to take that responsibility seriously, even more so when treating those who need respect and acceptance as they transition.”
BABTAC Membership prices start from £45.00. For more information on joining BABTAC please visit babtac.com or contact the membership team on 01452 623 110.