Warning: This introduction section contains statistics and information that might be triggering to transgender people. Please skip it if you need to.
In the past couple years, transgender people have experienced more positive media exposure than ever before. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe. Elliot Page released a memoir, Pageboy. Many awards for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions have gotten rid of gendered categories. With a lot positive trans stories hitting the mainstream media regularly, it’s easy to forget the lived struggles that trans people face daily. Anti-trans laws are being proposed at record-breaking rates in the United States, and trans people face violence and discrimination in their day to day lives. The horrific treatment of trans people won’t go away on its own. We as a community have the moral responsibility to do everything that we can to raise up and support our trans siblings.
The best way to do that is through fighting anti-trans legislation, being loud in your fight against violence and discrimination, and promoting education. You should educate yourself on how to be a good ally and ensure that those in your community are allies too.
As the movement for equality grows, transgender people are being recognized more frequently in mainstream media and policy, which has major pros and cons. The positives of this representation include increased public education and acceptance. As acceptance grows, luxuries like travel become more accessible to transgender and gender nonconforming people.
End of Trigger Warning:
In the travel market, there have been great strides in attempting to protect and support transgender people. The first ever transgender cruise set sail for seven days of fun in the Caribbean in 2014. The Fort Lauderdale Tourism Association released a study on the wants and needs of trans people while traveling. According to their research, safety is the biggest determining factor in selecting a vacation destination. The tourism industry has been doing research on gay and lesbian travel for years, but this is the first time anyone has taken an in-depth look at the travel needs of the trans community. Knowing your rights and doing your research are the best ways to be prepared. Below we’ve listed our tips and pointers for having a safe and fun vacation.
- Documents
To make flight reservations you are required to submit your full name, date of birth, and gender. In order to decrease chances of being delayed by TSA you should use the information as it appears on your passport or government-issued photo ID. You can now mark your gender as “X” on your passport if you wish to. If you no longer look like the picture on your ID, try to get a new copy before you travel. If you cannot, carry a note from your doctor explaining why your appearance has changed.
- Traveling with needles
If you are planning on traveling with needles, syringes or hormones you must have proof that they are prescribed. A professional pharmaceutical label and original box must accompany any prescribed medications, and it is best to get a letter from your prescriber just in case. Notify the TSA that you are traveling with medication and syringes as prescribed by your doctor. Maintain all of your medical supplies in one bag for easy screening. Ask your flight crew if you can store your hormones in the refrigerator if they are required to be chilled. If not, come prepared with an ice pack to keep them at a safe temperature. Keep any pills in a safe dry place and never freeze any hormone vials.
- Airport Security
Passengers at most airports are asked to go through metal detectors and the Advanced Imaging Technology booth. AIT is voluntary and travelers may opt out of the imaging process. If you opt out, or one of the machines detects something unusual, you will be required to go through a pat down by a security officer of the gender on your government issued identification. One of the AIT machines being used in some airports is the Rapiscan Secure 1000. It will show the TSA agent an image of your naked body and any binding garments or prosthetics. If you are selected for a screening, you are entitled to a private screening if you chose to have one. Always bring a travel companion into the room with you when you are being screened. You may always ask to speak with a supervisor at any time in the screening process.
TSA is in the process of rolling out gender neutral airport screenings, where the AIT will not be based on gender. This will hopefully cause less issues for trans folks going through these screenings.
- Prosthetics
Travelers should never be asked to remove any article of clothing. TSA agents are also not allowed to ask you to remove any prosthetics you may be wearing. If you are traveling with a prosthetic in your carry-on luggage, you may ask for a private screening. If you are a Transman who packs regularly, make sure, your packing piece is free of any metal parts. Also, note that a heavily bounded chest can raise concerns because it may appear that the passenger is hiding something underneath the wrap.
- Clothing
You have the right to wear and present yourself in any way that you would like, so long as you do not obscure your face. Be mindful that some clothing will attract more unwanted and unfair attention. Clothing with metal built into it, will set off the metal detector and create more of a hassle. Try to avoid binders, corsets, and jewelry or bras with metal pieces while traveling.
- Playing Safe
Bringing condoms, lube and other forms of protection with you while traveling is smart practice. If you plan to buy condoms in other countries, be aware there are some differences, try to find brands that are approved by the FDA. The packaging could be in another language and you may not be able to discern specifics of the products you are buying. Bring them with you in advance or make sure you do your homework on the products available in the country you are visiting well before the heat of the moment. In some countries, traveling with sexually explicit material can be used as evidence of sex work which may result in you being detained while traveling. Trans people are often unfairly targeted, be aware that in recent years there have been a few instances where people have used sex toys to victimize LGBT travelers. One couple was the victim of an alleged hate crime by TSA agents and another couple was arrested in Malaysia for being in possession of a sex toy. Keep in mind that traveling with these items into some countries is illegal. Be very cautious and do your homework before crossing borders with anything you think could be questionable.
- International Travel
It’s illegal to be gay in over 60 countries. The majority of the world does not understand the difference between gender and sexuality and some transgender people might be identified as LGBT and denied access into certain countries. Study the laws and policies of the areas you are traveling. No one should be forced to miss out on the wonders of the world based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Be mindful of the policies of the country and make the decision that feels best for you.
- Travel with Friends
The cliché – strength in numbers – comes to mind here, but it’s true. You are much more likely to feel safe and comfortable if you are traveling with a friend or a small group. Try to avoid walking alone after dark. While it is sad that I have to include tip, it’s reality that walking alone after dark in an unfamiliar place can lead to dangerous outcomes. Use your judgment and opt for taking a cab if possible rather than walking solo. Always carry a cell phone, extra cab money, and emergency contact information. Tell people where you are going and be mindful while exploring alone.
If you’ve experienced unprofessional conduct of any kind from a TSA agent, you can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Liberties.
