Went to Tredegar House, Newport on Friday with the grandchildren. I went into the Cafe and purchased ice cream and a coffee. I needed to use their toilets but found a sign saying that they were for men and women. I returned to the cafe and was overheard saying that I disagreed with sharing toilets with men. A member of staff overheard my comment and started challenging me as to why I didn’t like sharing toilets. I explained I have my own views but she wouldn’t let the matter drop.. end result she, quite loudly, labelled me as homophobic! Obviously she doesn’t have a clear understanding of the term she randomly threw at me. My daughter wrote to her manager to complain but was advised that she was right and that there was a notice on the toilet door stating that the mens toilet was out of use , hence men could use the womens. I didn’t see any such sign. In addition there are other accessible toilets on site so why did they feel the need to share the womens. I am disappointed that the National Trust representatives would condone such aggressive behaviour by a member of their staff. By the way, throughout my long working career, part of my role has usually included that of diversity champion. A role I have diligently undertaken.
