Op-ed: Flying While Trans

[Natasha]

Op-ed: Flying While Trans

http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2013/06/18/op-ed-flying-while-trans
6/18/13
BY Brad Glemser

"Airport security can be nerve-racking and at times a downright nightmare for transgender travelers — as well as for many other people. Though the Transportation Security Administration is currently reviewing its screening methods, lots of transgender people like me have had our privacy taken away from us only to subsequently face harassment and discrimination from airport security staff."

[barbie]

In some airports, security women ransack female passengers, and security men male passengers. When I was in a Russian airport, the security woman touched every parts of my body, except the genital area. And, in other airports, the feeling is not so bad, as sometimes attractive young security women touch my body, usually very gently 

barbie~~

[Donna Elvira]

Hi,
A frequent air traveller in Europe, where I have never had any significant problems, I'll be travelling to Canada and the US shortly for business. This means I'll be presenting male but even dressed in men's clothes, I'm clocked female more and more often.
In Europe, unless you set off an alarm, you are almost never patted down so, to avoid setting them off,  I always remove absolutely everything that could potentially do so. Among other things, I have unmissable breasts requiring a bra so nobody patting me down would fail to notice this.
Given my overall appearance which leans very much towards  a woman in man's clothes, what should I expect in Canadian and US airports?
Thanks for any input.
Donna

[Naomi]

Hi,
A frequent air traveller in Europe, where I have never had any significant problems, I'll be travelling to Canada and the US shortly for business. This means I'll be presenting male but even dressed in men's clothes, I'm clocked female more and more often.
In Europe, unless you set off an alarm, you are almost never patted down so, to avoid setting them off,  I always remove absolutely everything that could potentially do so. Among other things, I have unmissable breasts requiring a bra so nobody patting me down would fail to notice this.
Given my overall appearance which leans very much towards  a woman in man's clothes, what should I expect in Canadian and US airports?
Thanks for any input.
Donna

Well ideally in the U.S. you should have no problem, however even when I was trying to be cis as a teen sometimes things just happen with the TSA. For example one time I was just randomly selected for a more intense screening.

[Jamie D]

Donna, unfortunately, the hiring standards for TSA are not too stringent.  And, in my opinion, it is a poorly run agency.  I wish you luck and an enjoyable trip.

[Donna Elvira]

Donna, unfortunately, the hiring standards for TSA are not too stringent.  And, in my opinion, it is a poorly run agency.  I wish you luck and an enjoyable trip.

Thanks Jamie,
Sounds a bit ominous. The fact is, my rather unusual appearance does attract attention and even in Europe I have stopped a couple of times and asked a few questions but it has never gone beyond that.  Also, I have recent photos on my passport and all other official documents so no problem there.
We'll just have to see how it goes with 3 flights scheduled within Canada and the US  over the period I'll be there. Chances are, I'll be so tired after what's going to be something of a marathon that I'll look more masculine anyway.
Warm regards.
Donna