So I've been flowing this whole new TSA "security" thing with the body scanners or the "pat downs" (which from what I've read and heard have basically been sexual harassment level gropings) and it's made me have all sorts of emotions about it but it's also made me think of the unique situation of being trans and traveling and having another whole level of privacy trampled on in the name of "security".
Say you're passing as male visually (haven't had chest surgery) and are flying, get singled out, refuse the body scan, and get subjected to a full on grope pat down session by a male TSA employee. It could be awkward at best - at worst they could go so far as claiming you're trying to pose as someone else or otherwise harass you. Seriously, from what I've been hearing from personal accounts this would not be out of the realm of possibility. Someone in a class I go to said he son was subjected to a full on strip search at an airport recently and was told to comply or be arrested. What appears to be happening seems to be fueled by the TSA group (and the homeland security people) having this agro approach. I just listened to an audio interview with a women who got singled out and refused the screening and ended up being handcuffed to a chair with 12 police people. Total overkill and it really sounds like these people are just high off "power" for lack of a better descriptor.
I do plan on doing some flying next year and although I could act the part of female if absolutely necessary I do feel pretty apprehensive of possible situations that could occur. When you're in a scenario with a bunch of people on a power high damn near anything can happen. It also makes me feel all kinds of weird that someone could be groping me and either not find what they're expecting or find what they're not expecting and what could arise out of that. I honestly don't give these security types the benefit of my doubt that they would handle that situation professionally.
I don't know where I'm going with this other than to just "type out loud" here but I can just see this going really wrong.
Yeah, I likely will be flying to Tennessee next summer, and I'm afraid I'll get singled out for my binder, or my packer/STP if I have one by then. I forget where I heard it, but apparently either certain binders or packers (can't remember which one) is made of a material similar to that of plastic explosives. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I really, REALLY hope not. I flew to Georgia awhile ago and I was wearing a binder, and nothing happened, but then again, that was before these new security measures came into play. But, I'm not 18 yet, so hopefully I don't get treated so harshly.
Apparently here in Canada.. a specific measure was taken that creates it more difficult for trans to fly. They passed it along with a bunch of other things including the big ticket - turban and head covering bills. From what I gather - if you do not physically look like the gender that is on your ID - they aren't supposed to let you on the plane. Of course they aren't following that.. from what I've heard.. but facksakes.
I heard that they can tell that your packer is not actually attached to your body with the scanner. There was a guy on youtube that mentioned it. As for the binder I'm not sure. I'm thinking that before I fly I'm going to see if my psychiatrist will write a letter stating that I am trans to keep in my carry on in case questions are asked. Probably won't "wear" my packer and will just leave it in my bag. That Canada stuff sounds crazy
This is why I won't be flying anytime in the near future. It's outrageous. Having to choose between being groped up or having a naked pic of your body made? No thanks. I'll take the bus or drive, even if it takes longer to get there.
It's a good idea to get a "carry" letter from your therapist or treating physician, if your ID doesn't match your appearance. It basically says that you are not trying to defraud or trick anyone, and that this is part of your treatment.
Binders shouldn't really be a problem. Packers are. It is also probably a good idea to not pack while going through security. Sucks, but you can go to the nearest restroom after security.
That said, there are a LOT of people in the US who are upset about the new "policies" and the behavior of the TSA. While it is particularly harmful for us, there is enough outrage that things may get changed (including, but not limited to, from the pilots' union).
I am hoping that the general population will make a huge deal of this - because it's definitely something worthy enough to protest.
Earlier this year I did a short flight just down to So. CA and on the way back this one guy looked at my ID, then looked at me, then did it again like 3 times, then asked me what my birthdate was and when he finally let me go through (this wasn't even the party where you have to put all your possessions in the bins and take off your shoes, etc. it was a gate before that) he said, thanks and then said my name as it appears on the license. I'd never had anyone do anything like that before. They usually just glance at it and let you through. The photo on my ID was when I had short brown hair - at that time I had the longish kind of messy "emo" hair but I really don't think that was the only thing the guy was scrutinizing. I honestly think he was looking at the gender on my ID then looking at me and not getting a "match" on it.
I've since gone to the DMV to get a new picture that actually looks more like me on there but with all this new security crap I'm still leery.
I was wondering this same thing the moment I heard about this whole ordeal. I wanted to bring it up to my government teacher but I think she wouldnt really know what to say about the topic. Anyways I was also wondering about the binder because if you opt to be felt up and they go to feel under your breasts a feels this thing will they think youre concealing something in it?
I'm sorry guys...I'm a bit baffled by some of these responses. I've never had a problem flying with my binder, when I used to wear one, nor did I have a problem packing either. But now I am bit worried after hearing these stories...is there really a concern with wearing a packer through airport security nowadays? Mind you it's not an stp, or pack n play, or anything like that...standard packer much like a GV soft pack.
From what I understand the new scanners show genitalia and chest like an xray type thing. If you opt out then they physically search you only now I guess the story I'm hearing is that the get under your clothes until they find genitals and chest. One article I read about on here in another thread said they searched until the back of their hand felt this woman's crotch. I only say heard because I haven't gone through it so I don't know.
I guess that xray would show a packer isn't attached and they would question it. Also if you're binding they might think you're hiding something in the binder. That's my understanding of it all.
Oh wow...I always get sketched wearing a packer through any kind of security checkpoints and now I will take extra precautions, probably won't even wear one while traveling. I didn't know they had devices that could take it to that extent. Thanks for the info man, I really appreciate it!
I've flown multiple times internationally too while presenting as male and have never had a problem even with my passport and ID not matching. I have yet to encounter a body scanner though. I refuse to go in it though. They can pat me down or whatever else they want but I don't think that I'm going to be the biggest problem they have. My dad who is not trans or anything and has no reason to not go through the body scanner has said that he would rather break the thing right in front of them than go through it and will not be getting pat down haha.
Hey, you can rest assured that the TSA employee doing that grope on you has passed a very cursory background check, has at least a GED, and gets paid less than the person making fries at In and Out.