This activist is now looking forward to flying in about a month, because he gets to request that a female TSA agent does the "groin check" during the "pat down" procedure. The only matter now left to be decided is whether one can choose whether that agent be blonde or a brunette!
From: [Redacted]
To: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov
Date: [Redacted]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am scheduled to fly in about a month and I am worried about the new TSA pat down procedure that is being described as "invasive" and “x-rated” on a number of websites. The procedure in question involves the use of fingers and the palms of hands to search for weapons, drugs, etc.
I am biologically male, but I am an undiagnosed transgender, which means that I feel that a woman is trapped inside my male body. Being that my gender is female, I would not like a male TSA agent to conduct this pat down on me—it would be horribly offensive to my psyche.
I have no problem with being patted down, but I would be deeply disturbed if a male TSA agent was permitted to touch my body.
The TSA website states that one is entitled to be patted down by a TSA agent of the same gender (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/customer_service_procedures.shtm). Gender is a social construct, so I am hoping that this means that a TSA agent who adheres to the female gender would be the one to conduct this pat down on me. Is my understanding of this correct?
Please email me at [Email redacted] as soon as you can. I simply would like to know if I could respectfully request that a female TSA agent be the one to conduct the pat down on me.
Kind regards,
[Name redacted]
From: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov
To: [Redacted]
Date: November 16, 2010
Thank you for your e-mail regarding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy for screening transgender travelers.
TSA develops requirements and policies for the security of the Nation’s transportation systems. The primary purpose of passenger screening is to prevent or deter the introduction of deadly or dangerous items into an airport secured area or onboard an aircraft. TSA policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers are treated with respect and courtesy and every Federal screener receives training on professional conduct. In addition, TSA’s Office of Civil Rights and Liberties ensures that TSA screens all traveling persons equally, without regard to a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender.
Passengers may be directed for additional screening if the information on their identification (ID) does not match their appearance; if the name on their boarding pass does not match a valid, Government-issued ID; if their clothing is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items; or if the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) cannot reasonably determine that clothing is free of any detectable threats. Passenger may also be chosen for additional screening on a random basis.
Passengers may wear whatever clothing they choose when approaching the screening checkpoint, but enhanced security measures require that all passengers remove outer coats and jackets for x-ray before proceeding through metal detectors. Passengers that alarm the metal detector will be required to undergo additional screening. Passengers directed for additional screening may undergo hand-wand screening and/or pat-down inspections. Passengers may request the screening be performed in a private screening area at anytime. TSOs are instructed to honor a passenger’s request.
If additional screening is merited, the transgender passenger will receive screening by a TSO of the same gender as what the passenger presents himself or herself to be. If a passenger chooses to have additional screening done in a private screening area, a traveling companion is permitted to accompany the passenger during the private screening. If the passenger refuses additional screening, they will be denied access to the secured area. [Emphasis added]
Regarding pat-down procedures conducted at our Nation’s airports, at airports nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing more streamlined, consistent, and thorough pat-down procedures at security checkpoints to provide a higher level of security and increase the safety of the traveling public. Patdowns are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items, such as explosives. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, and canine teams, among others.
Transportation Security Officers will conduct different pat-down procedures to resolve different types of anomalies. During the assessment, officers will use revised pat-down procedures in all instances to resolve anomalies. The updated pat-down procedures will address areas of the body that we know are used as areas to conceal potentially dangerous items, like explosives.
TSA Administrator John Pistole has stated that TSA strives to ensure consistency whenever possible for passengers at security checkpoints. As always, all passengers have the right to request private screening at any time during the screening process, and patdowns are conducted by same-gender officers. However, passengers who are not willing to go through the screening process will not be permitted to fly. [Emphasis added]
We understand and regret any discomfort or inconvenience you may experience as a result of pat-down procedures. Nevertheless, we believe these security measures are necessary and appropriate for ensuring the security and confidence of all air travelers. TSA continues to develop and deploy new technologies to address the explosives threat, and the use of pat-downs provides an additional layer of security at the checkpoint. For more information regarding the pat-down procedures, please visit TSA’s Web site (www.tsa.gov).
Thank you for contacting us.
TSA Contact Center
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