Orlando International Airport TSA and American Airlines are getting some negative attention after a transgender woman live-tweeted her travel nightmare trying to fly to Minneapolis out of Orlando.
Shadi Petosky tweeted that she was held by the TSA because of an “anomaly.”
I am being held by the TSA in Orlando because of an “anomaly” (my penis)
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
The TSA at the Orlando Airport told me I couldn’t take photos but this is denigrating. I have missed my flight pic.twitter.com/PHwBLiJ0cB — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
TSA agent Bramlet told me to get back in the machine as a man or it was going to be a problem. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I asked TSA agent Bramlet if he had any training in trans issues. He said “I know what I am doing” — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I fly all the time and this has never happened. I really thought the TSA was good about trans issues. I am so dumb. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
At this point, Petosky reported that officers tried to take her phone away but she refused.
A man a brown suit came and whispered to TSA agent Sean San Roman to make sure I am not taking photos or video. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
There are now 2 police officers, 1 explosives specialist and four TSA agents. They’re taking my phone for screening — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I am through. It was about 40 minutes, 2 full body pat downs, fully disassembled luggage. I missed my flight. pic.twitter.com/wLTvP3md9W — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I don’t think my body is an anomaly. I like tons of people with my body. Can there be more buttons? — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
At this point, Petosky attempted to rebook her flight, but she says a TSA agent asked her to leave the airport.
They told me to get myself together, I am sobbing, not belligerent. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
At American Airlines ticket counter trying to rebook. They say there are no more flights to Minneapolis today. I am asking for anywhere. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Reporters began calling Petosky as she continued to try to find a flight out of OIA.
American Airlines manager is telling me that “in the future ask for a private screening” — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I literally want to no lectures from American Airlines on how to travel while trans. I want the same privileges as cis people. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Petosky recharged her phone and received a tweet from American Airlines saying they’re glad she was able to rebook. One problem – at that point she hadn’t received a new boarding pass. After the police became involved, Petosky was given a ticket to Miami, where she apparently is right now before getting on a flight home.
I fly A LOT, usually between Minneapolis and LA and have never had a problem. This was an anomaly — or a Florida thing, not sure. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Director, says they’ve been trying to reach Petosky but no luck yet.
“Equality Florida is very concerned and disappointed in the situation which apparently occurred last evening,” Duncan says. “The treatment and humiliation endured by Shadi Petosky, a transgender woman, is unacceptable.”
She says there’s a need for a change in TSA airport procedure, and it’s “alarming” how many members of the transgender community are now sharing their stories similar to Petosky’s.
“Many transgender people have expressed via social media that they fear going through airport security or opt to not travel by air altogether,” Duncan says. “Procedures are inconsistent, demeaning and potentially violate the civil rights of transgender travelers. A review of screening procedures, and the need for improved training are needed, and a better way found, to keep Americans safe without violating and demeaning the transgender population.”
Duncan says they’ve been in touch with the Orlando Police Department, whose officers have been trained on LGBT cultural competency, and the OPD officer at the scene did a good job.
“Apparently, he appears to be the only person of authority who handled the situation in an acceptable manner,” Duncan says.
Here’s a statement from TSA spokesman Mike England:
“Our officers are trained to properly screen members of the transgender community. TSA takes all potential civil rights violations very seriously and conducted a review of the incident. After examining closed circuit TV video and other available information, TSA has determined that the evidence shows our officers followed TSA’s strict guidelines. Supervisory personnel and a Passenger Support Specialist participated in the screening to ensure guidelines were met.”
From the TSA website, here are those screening procedures:
“Transgender persons should use the name and gender that appears on their government-issued ID when making flight reservations and at the security checkpoint. You may ask that carry-on bags be screened in private if a bag must be opened by a TSA officer to resolve an alarm. Screening can be conducted in a private screening area with a witness or companion. You may request private screening or to speak with a supervisor at any time during the screening process.”
The TSA also responded to a tweet request that people message the TSA and ask them not to abuse transgender people at airports.
.@JennyBoylan TSA takes all potential civil rights violations very seriously. We are looking into the situation now for further information.
— TSA (@TSA) September 21, 2015
Watermark is following this story closely – keep an eye on Watermark Online for more updates as they become available.
