Well it might be a good time to review the TSA policy for traveling while trans,
If you are thinking about taken a cruise, remember when they say LGBT friendly they may really mean lesbian and gay friendly. Last year Carnival Cruises’ “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise told passengers according to AmericaBlog that,
San Diego Gay and Lesbian News said in a March 2012 editorial that,
TSA recognizes the concerns members of the transgender community may have with undergoing the security screening process at our Nation’s airports and is committed to conducting screening in a dignified and respectful manner. These travel tips will explain the various screening processes and technologies travelers may encounter at security checkpoints.I know for me I am always a little nervous when traveling, so far I haven’t flown since I transitioned but I know the day will come when I have to fly to my destination. The first tip that the TSA has for us is,
Making Reservations: Secure Flight requires airlines to collect a traveler’s full name, date of birth, gender and Redress Number (if applicable) to significantly decrease the likelihood of watch list misidentification. Travelers are encouraged to use the same name, gender, and birth date when making the reservation that match the name, gender, and birth date indicated on the government-issued ID that the traveler intends to use during travel.The TSA tips also include, Private Screening, Travel Document Checker, Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), Pat-Downs, Prosthetics, and Packing a Carry-on bag. Among the tips they give for packing a carry-on is,
Travelers may ask that bags be screened in private if a bag must be opened by an officer to resolve an alarm. Travelers should be aware that prosthetics worn under the clothing that alarm a walk through metal detector or appear as an anomaly during Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening may result in additional screening, to include a thorough pat-down. Travelers may request a private screening at any time during the security screening process.For many of us traveling, especially for the first time can be stressful and being trans can add to that stress.
If you are thinking about taken a cruise, remember when they say LGBT friendly they may really mean lesbian and gay friendly. Last year Carnival Cruises’ “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise told passengers according to AmericaBlog that,
Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise. Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas.So beware, when you think it is a LGBT friendly cruise the cruise line’s definition of “LGBT Friendly” might be very different from our definition and some of the ports that they travel to might have laws again trans-people.
Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theater featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theater. Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise.
We’re sorry to say that any guest who violates our policies and/or whose behavior affects the comfort and enjoyment of other guests, will be disembarked at their own expense and no refund will be given. (Carnival Cruises later rescinded the letter saying it was a mistake.)
San Diego Gay and Lesbian News said in a March 2012 editorial that,
The arrest of a Palm Springs, Calif., couple on a gay cruise ship docked in Dominica is a crucial lesson for our times and a dire warning against complacency.
Despite incredible progress on the road to equality particularly in many western nations, despite bold proclamations in support of LGBT people by important world leaders such as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, don’t forget that there are 76 countries around the world where it is illegal to be gay.
Diana -
ReplyDeleteThis is why I told my friend that I would only cruise to Canada en-femme. Unless I went through full transition, I expect I'd have major problems i many countries.
M
Diana,
ReplyDeleteI have traveled dozens of times en femme without incident and all I have is my male driver's license for an ID. There are others who do it more frequently than I.
With respect to private screenings, while I haven't had to do any, I would reccommend against it. Should you get the rare TSA agent who wants to give you grief for being who you are, having to interact with him/her in public is your best defense. The rest of the public isn't going to watch what comes out of your bag as all they are interested in is to get to their gate on time.
If one is a frequent traveler, I would recommend looking into the new TSA PreCheck program. It allows you to go through screening like it was before 2001. You don't have to take computers out, take your shoes off or empty your pockets. You will pass through a metal detector and no body scanner. Airlines can designate someone as a PreChecked traveler or you can spend about $85 for a five year pre-screened status which requires a background check including finger printing.
So, when you do have to fly, don't think twice about it.
Leann