Face of Tesco – the cashier – spewing out homophobia towards LGBT customers

Natalie tells us that the cashier then continued by saying “gay people shouldn’t have babies.” At this point Natalie decided to say something so replied by stating I was a lesbian here with my partner and I personally find her comments offensive and asked her to keep them to herself. She replied stating it was a “free country so I can say what I like!” She then said “all gay people should die alone.”

At this point my girlfriend who has never experienced any sort of homophobia became visibly upset. I said to the cashier her comments were homophobic and she couldn’t go about viewing opinions like that. I also advised her I did not want to communicate with her any further.

After shopping Natalie went to the cashier manager Nathan Best who advised her that she was entitled to her own opinion , just not at work. He said he would take this further and to call Tesco head office.

When Natalie came home she called Tesco head office and spoke to a male called James. They escalated the issue and the next day they called back telling me that the cashier Maggie would face a disciplinary meeting that same evening.

On Friday 9th Jan a male called Vix called saying that the cashier Maggie had been dealt with by the way of a final written warning. She had admitted everything that was said, and was sorry for being offensive. She had served with the store for 14 years and had not been in trouble before. Natalie explained she was not satisfied with this and that there was a clear training need and in most companies regardless of years served when you have committed a sackable offence such as racism or homophobia you get dismissed.

Natalie also went on to explain her partner felt as though she couldn’t return to the store knowing the cashier was still at work and she felt the same way.

Vix then said “I understand your frustration but this is the decision, I will speak to my manager about it.” She questioned what difference that would make as the warning had been issued?! Which he couldn’t answer. She explained the seriousness of the offence and he replied saying “I know it’s not illegal anymore .” And “it’s a lifestyle choice, you can live the way you want.”

With this she realised nothing could be done to improve anything because all levels of staff are homophobic directly or indirectly with their choice of words. He apologised and stated he would get someone to contact her later because he had clearly chosen the wrong choice of words and wasn’t coming across correctly.

Natalie says to MySoCalledGayLife.co.uk : I’d just like Tesco to be aware of the effects this has on gay people and how it’s not fair or right!

Natalie have been out and gay for a long time however her partner not so much. This has really upset and stressed her out. She now doesn’t feel comfortable going to Tesco there, she feels vulnerable and is anxious about further attacks.

Natalie says she is thoroughly disappointed, however feel as though the LGBT family need to know about this and we should stick together through homophobia and let it be known it’s not tolerated in any form by anyone at any time.

MySoCalledGayLife.co.uk has received following statement from Tesco spokesperson :

“Following inappropriate comments in store by one of our colleagues we have apologised to the customers involved and an internal investigation is now underway. We work hard to make sure that everyone is welcome at Tesco and put great emphasis on celebrating diversity and ensuring that we are an inclusive place to work and shop. Any remarks or actions from our colleagues which are not in line with these beliefs are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Story updated 11.04 PM January 13, 2015 with Tesco statement.

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