M&S faces backlash after trans employee offers help to teenage girl

In March 2025, Marks & Spencer, a well-known retailer in the United Kingdom, issued an apology after a trans employee extended an offer of help to a 14-year-old girl and her mother in the bra department of the store. The mother described the encounter as unsettling for her daughter, stating that she felt uncomfortable due to the staff member being perceived as a 'biological male' and noted their height of over 6 feet tall. The incident occurred weeks before a landmark Supreme Court ruling which effectively stated that biological men should not have access to women-only spaces, including fitting rooms and lingerie departments. Following the incident, the mother voiced her concerns and expressed her disapproval, emphasizing that while the employee was polite, the interaction was wholly inappropriate in her opinion. Marks & Spencer took the complaints seriously, and they communicated with the family, stating that they were sorry for the distress caused to the young girl and recognized the importance of this crucial milestone in the girl's life. However, this apology has also stirred discussions around broader societal issues regarding the treatment of transgender individuals, particularly in retail and service industry settings. Victoria Richards, a columnist and observer of social issues, highlighted that the real concern here is rooted in prejudice rather than the appropriateness of the employee's actions. She pointed out that discomfort is common among teenagers, regardless of the assistant’s gender identity, and suggested that parents should work to address and unpack these feelings rather than allowing them to perpetuate bias. Additionally, there have been increasing reports of hostility against transgender individuals in various public spaces. The Home Office has noted a rise in hate crimes motivated by prejudice against transgender people, coinciding with evolving legal contexts and societal attitudes. The public response to this incident is indicative of larger cultural conversations about inclusivity in spaces traditionally seen as gender-specific, such as clothing departments that cater to sensitive fittings like bras. Overall, the incident reflects ongoing societal challenges surrounding gender inclusion and the responsibilities of retailers to foster inclusive shopping experiences for all customers.