Topshop has abolished gender-specific changing rooms after receiving complaints from transgender customers. The move comes after London-based performance artist and writer Travis Alabanza complained to the high street brand via that they had "just experienced transphobia" in a Manchester branch after being denied entry to one of their changing rooms. Travis tweeted: "Hey @Topshop just experienced transphobia in your Manchester store. Not letting me use the changing room I decide is [explicit], sort it out."
Topshop has removed women-only changing rooms
Travis added: "Who made you in charge of deciding who is woman enough to use ur changing room? U just lost an easy sale and money." [sic] One Twitter user then shared an email from Topshop sent in July saying the store would be reviewing its changing room policy. A spokesperson for Topshop Topman has since confirmed that all of their changing rooms are gender-neutral spaces. They told HELLO! Online: "All Topshop and Topman customers are free to use any of the fitting rooms located within our stores."
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The policy change has sparked a huge debate amongst shoppers following Travis' complaint. One told Good Morning Britain: "These are the times we live in, I think it's a sign of progress that it could make some people's lives a great deal more comfortable. We should be behind that." Another said: "Public swimming baths have gender-neutral changing rooms already, so I don't see what difference it makes. You've got curtains - keep the curtains closed, I don't see a problem."
However, not everyone was impressed with the move, with one person tweeting: "Can't believe @Topshop have changed their changing room policy. No way am I getting changed next to men only separated by a curtain." Another wrote: "I've advised my daughters and granddaughters to stop shopping at @Topshop due to their changing room policy that is now not safe." A third post read: "@Topshop I also hope that the company will also take into consideration those who have particular religious beliefs and are not permitted to use a unisex changing room."