Source: Twitter @shadipetosky
Story Courtesy: Storyful/Elie Lichtschein
A transgender woman took to Twitter to express her anger and humiliation on September 21, claiming she had been held up by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents as she tried to board a plane leaving Orlando. Shadi Petosky tweeted “I am being held by the TSA in Orlando because of an ‘anomaly’ (my penis).” She added, “The TSA has left me in a room alone. There is an officer holding the door.”
The TSA has left me in a room alone. There is an officer holding the door. pic.twitter.com/aFA0cQxAGx
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Petosky claims that the TSA held her because of her status as a trans person. “I fly all the time and this has never happened,” she tweeted. “I really thought the TSA was good about trans issues. I am so dumb.” Petosky’s tweeted about her experience below.
I am being held by the TSA in Orlando because of an “anomaly” (my penis) — 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
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
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
A TSA agent is telling me to leave the airport. I asked them to please call a supervisor, I just want to get to an American Airlines gate — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
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
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
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
Show the TSA you will not stand for their behavior & SHARE this post with your friends.