In this brave and moving episode, we sit down with Che Young (formerly Che Barnes) to talk candidly about gender identity, transitioning, and what inclusion really looks like in the hospitality industry. Che shares her personal story of coming out as a trans woman and the response she received — from the people who stood by her, to those who didn’t.
We discuss the discomfort many feel around language and pronouns, and why silence is never neutral.
Che reflects on the pressure to conform, the fear of not being accepted, and the importance of creating space for people to show up as their full selves — especially in an industry that thrives on connection.
This is a conversation about allyship in action, not just in policy, but in the everyday words, behaviours, and decisions we make as leaders.
If you care about building an industry where everyone truly belongs, this episode will stay with you.
Che is now the founder of A View From A Dove, using her voice to educate, inspire, and champion visibility and dignity for trans and non-binary people in hospitality and beyond.
In this incredibly informative episode we look at
- How the agricultural revolution influences gender until this day
- How a "good Christian girl" became a gender activist
- What's the difference between gender and sexuality?
- How many intersex people are born a day in the UK (you'll be surprised!)
- Advice for Hospitality people working with LGBTQ+ people; and
- What to do if you misgender or mispronoun your colleague?
If you don't know much about the conversations going on about gender, or don't really understand it then this episode is really worth a listen.
Hosted by: Timothy R Andrews and Tracey Rashid
More information on Che Barnes can be found at: Linkedin
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For Equality & Diversity online training, visit: Equality & Diversity Training
or visit Hospitality Training Courses for the full catalogue and help support the podcast.
BIIIIGGG thank you to this episodes' sponsor The Brighton Box Gallery, award winning art gallery in the heart of Brighton, for making this episode possible.
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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews
Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo
Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod
Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound