I’m a Gateline Assistant at Angmering railway station, and I’ve been in the role for around eight years. While checking tickets and making sure passengers have the right ticket to travel is part of the job, customer service is what it’s really all about.
For me, the most important part of the role is helping people travel without the stress that can sometimes come with it. It’s about being approachable, friendly, and making sure people feel supported when they come through the station. When I know I’ve helped someone, it means everything.
Trans visibility at work
As a trans person, I often have other trans people come and talk to me, and I can tell that seeing someone they can relate to makes a difference. One passenger I’ll always remember approached me and asked if I’m trans. I said yes, and he explained that his daughter was transitioning and that he was looking for advice and support.
We sat down together and I was able to signpost him to some local trans charities and organisations. A few months later, he came back through the station and thanked me for the advice. Moments like that are what make it all worthwhile.
A station at the heart of the community
Angmering is definitely a community station. We work closely with local groups, including Friends of Angmering, who create the lovely flower displays around the station. Over the years, my colleagues and I have come to know many of the regular passengers who travel through here.
Sometimes people stop by simply to say hello or have a chat, and that sense of familiarity is something I really value. Railway stations play an important role within communities, and being part of that is one of the things I enjoy most about my job.
The best part of the role is feeling like I’m genuinely making a difference to people.
Supporting colleagues through the LGBT employee network
Alongside my day-to-day role, I’m also co-chair of Southern Railway’s LGBT employee network. I originally joined because I was looking for additional support as a trans person. Since then, my focus has been on helping to educate people and challenge attitudes where necessary. It’s something I really enjoy being involved in.
My main aim for the network is to help make Southern Railway as safe and inclusive a place to work as possible. It’s about ensuring colleagues feel secure, respected, and supported, regardless of who they are. Creating that environment matters, and it’s something we continue to work towards together.
Pride, visibility and making progress
One of my biggest achievements so far has been attending Brighton Pride last year. I hadn’t been to Pride for around ten years, and I was feeling apprehensive about returning. What stood out to me was the level of support and the number of trans flags throughout the crowd. Seeing that support was overwhelming and actually brought me to tears.
Another highlight was attending an employee network meeting in London alongside representatives from other train operating companies. It reinforced just how much progress is being made and showed me that the work we are doing is helping to create positive change across the industry.
Why being authentic matters
Being able to bring my authentic self to work is important for my wellbeing. If I can’t be the person I want to be, it has a significant impact on my mental health.
Visibility also has an important role to play. Simply by being seen, I can help educate people and challenge misconceptions. There are days when coming to work can feel daunting, but that comes from how passionate I am about helping others and making a difference.
For younger people especially, representation matters. If a child sees me as a trans woman and thinks, "If she can do it, so can I," then that visibility has value.
What Pride means to me
For me, Pride is a protest. There is lots to celebrate, and Pride is a celebration in many ways, but I think it’s important not to lose sight of where it began and what it represents. At its heart, Pride is about solidarity and standing together.
The same principle applies to allyship. Effective allies are supportive throughout the year, not only during Pride Month. That includes challenging homophobic or transphobic comments when they hear them. A true ally is someone who supports people in the LGBT community, stands up for them, and helps create a more inclusive environment.
My favourite Pride event is Brighton Trans Pride. Although it’s a relatively small event, it stays true to that sense of protest and solidarity. It has a brilliant atmosphere and provides a great opportunity to meet new people.
Looking ahead this Pride Month
Southern Railway is a safe place not only for members of the LGBT community, but for people from all walks of life. That commitment to inclusion is something I’m proud to be part of. My message this Pride Month is simple: go out, have fun, remember that Pride is a protest, and remember that we also have plenty to celebrate.