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Blog # 13 : Flying While Trans: Gender-Different Bodies and Post 9/11 Surveillan

Started by Natasha, August 22, 2010, 03:05:23 AM

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Natasha

August 22, 2010, 03:05:23 AM
Blog # 13 : Flying While Trans: Gender-Different Bodies and Post 9/11 Surveillance

http://transmeditations.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/blog-13-flying-while-trans-gender-different-bodies-and-post-911-surveillance/
8/20/10

Being trans and dealing with the whole identity papers thing is quite a trip, let me tell you.  For starters, I don't drive.  But I do have a non-drivers ID, which is used for things like flying, buying alcoholic beverages (back when I used to do such a thing), and getting hired into a new job.  Back before I changed my name, I remember buying alcohol once at a NH State Liquor Store and having the crotchety old guy behind the counter go: "You're Joseph?"  "Yes, I am" I replied back flatly.  Before he could say another word, he looked at me, looked at the ID, and looked at me again and the proverbial light bulb went off in his head.  Hmmm.  Person who looks female.  Person has a male name.  Person who looks female whose ID is marked with an "M."  When you are trans and/or genderqueer, you grow used to living with constant anxiety regarding the "mismatch" between your body, gender expression, name and legal gender designation.
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