
American Airlines, TSA Lie About A Woman Held For #TravelingWhileTrans
The Transportation Security Administration is having a crisis when it comes to transgender passengers.
Since 2003, the TSA has been instructed to watch out for male terrorists who might try to conceal their bombs by dressing as women. But instead of catching cross-dressing terrorists, the TSA’s policy has mostly caught trans-women: harassing them, treating their bodies as “anomalies” and “alarms” and subjecting them to invasive frisks and examinations.
Although 32 members of Congress have urged the TSA to update their trans policies, the continuing discrimination of trans people has compelled transgender travelers to create a #TravelingWhileTrans hashtag full of trans TSA horror stories. Even trans celebrity Caitlyn Jenner has called for an end to the TSA’s anti-trans harassment.
Amid the campaign, we wanted to highlight a case from last year that illustrates just how bad things have gotten. Most frequent fliers have a story about being inconvenienced by the TSA, but very rarely are they as bad as Shadi Petosky’s. Petosky was detained by the TSA and missed her flight merely because she is trans.
Luckily, she was live-tweeting her ordeal, and thanks to a heads up from Tig Notaro‘s twitter account (run that day by Tig’s friend Drew Koshgarian), the world found out:
A brief programming interruption: Follow what @TSA and @AmericanAir are pulling on @shadipetosky
— Tig Notaro (@TigNotaro) September 21, 2015
I am being held by the TSA in Orlando because of an “anomaly” (my penis) — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I would like any help I can get at the Orlando airport.
— 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
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
She was detained by the TSA for 45 minutes — enough to miss her flight. Unfortunately, the indignities didn’t stop there. She tried to rebook her flight on American Airlines. The official @AmericanAir twitter account promised they’d rebook her flight, but didn’t seem to be in communication with the clerks at the flight desk, who told her all flights were on standby and that she’d have to buy a new ticket for just under $1,000.
Meanwhile, American Airlines was telling the press that she’d been re-booked to fly home to Minneapolis at no charge — this wasn’t true at all. Petosky was finally able to fly out of Orlando late that night to the Miami airport on American, just to get out of the hostile airport — on a half-filled plane. When she landed in Miami, she found out about American Airlines’ lies and was able to book a flight home on Delta.
As Petrosky points out, American Airlines’ false statements were strange, considering that her initial complaint was with the TSA. In interviews, company spokesman Ross Feinstein was person quoted as saying that Petrosky had been booked on a filght home; Petrosky later learned that Feinstein was previously a TSA spokesman.
After 33 hours, Petrosky finally got home. Petrosky says she wants American Airlines to start accommodating trans passengers detained by the TSA without additional charge and for the TSA to work with trans organizations like TransEquality to update its guidelines for gender nonconforming passengers.
Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign has also called for a thorough TSA investigation into Petrosky’s case.
We’ve included Petrosky’s entire saga below:
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
TSA agents are now saying their are explosives alarm from my hands and the officers gloves when she gave me a full body pat down.
— 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
Cop asked me what sex I was. I told him I wasn’t going to answer that question. I am complying but come on. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
They’re telling me they have to take my phone. I told them that I want to use this to keep a record of what is happening
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
@shadipetosky That’s illegal. The only thing that you’re not allowed to take photos of are their scanner screens. — Kat the Coder Girl (@Taurmaurils) 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
They told me to rebook my flight at the gate, I rebook my flight at the counter I will have to go through screening and would be reflagged. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I am going to look for any open American Airlines gate in the airport to rebook. I am prob being hyper vigilant about logging publically.
— 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
Well shit. pic.twitter.com/XHnameY3Rc
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
All I am trying to do now is peacefully find an American Airlines gate so I can rebook. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
To get a new boarding pass through American Airlines. So I am back out of the secure area being escorting by a police officer.
— 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 says that if I want to for sure fly out of Orlando today it’s $955. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
@msh that’s very sweet but the community doesn’t need to handle this.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
They’re offering standby in this hostile airport. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
My point of listing the prices is not to get money. It’s to show cost when the TSA detains trans bodies (Plus time, denigration)
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
People in the community are talking crowd funding initiatives but please don’t. Class privileges aren’t my current issue. Much love. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Reporters are calling me but please leave the lines open for American Airlines or actor Kyle Chandler.
— 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 left the American Airlines counter. I’m need to recharge my phone and nap, then eat something. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
They can put me on standby for an 8pm flight to Miami but there are storms there. Can anyone talk to whomever runs weather in Miami?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I guess everyone knows about my junk now. 99% sure I’ll regret this tomorrow. — Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
My phone is 1% so I’m going to rest / charge it before I do anything. Don’t want to do anything here without my phone pic.twitter.com/ZSR2iXVn3D
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
No one is bothering me in my little phone charging corner.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I’m not going to lie. I zero percent want to be googled as the transsexual who’s junk got flagged in Orlando.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
When the police officer asked me what sex I was I told him I wasn’t to respond. He said this was not a game. Are trans civil rights?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
TSA supervisor Ramon luckily heard the officer and stepped in and said me disclosing sex/gender was not an issue.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
News to me! I am in the corner charging my phone. How? Where? https://t.co/44rTXFBLBO
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Then he told me I looked like a woman to him. Which I am sure he meant as a compliment, but what if I didn’t? https://t.co/XRLNGtrP6E
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I write cartoon comedy, probably literally the worst person to talk to press about my body “anomaly” (c) TSA.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I didn’t know how to spell anomaly until today.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I have to use the bathroom now but what are Florida’s laws now that everyone knows that I am a beautiful lady with an anomaly.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Still have no clue what is going on with @americanairlines. NBC news said the told them it was taken care of but I don’t know how.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Even to toilets in the Orlando Airport are overly aggressive, now I have my pee water all up in my butt #exclusivevid pic.twitter.com/muMpAHcb0J
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I haven’t heard anything from @americanairlines except that one tweet. Gonna stand in line at the counter.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Both of these orgs are issuing statements but I am still in the airport. https://t.co/JPp8VxMaPV
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Can anyone from @AmericanAir call anyone who works for American Airljnes at the counter in Orlando. https://t.co/AUcjl8U6YO
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Kaln at @AmericanAir is saying that she doesn’t care what is being tweeted at me.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
R. Santana at @AmericanAir is saying that her colleague gave me a boarding pass. I was not given a pass
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
The police are telling @AmericanAir to give me a ticket
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This is so weird. I can’t even say. @AmericanAir hasn’t called their clerks
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’m laughing at the folly of this. It’s so weird. I can’t explain it
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
What @tsa and @AmericanAir is doing publically is completely different than what I am experience
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
The manager made it sound like @AmericanAir was giving me a free first class ticket, but they charged my card.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
The peeps at @AmericanAir have not called these counter clerks.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This police officer was very helpful. He told lecturet @AmericanAir manager that he wasn’t going to remove me pic.twitter.com/qJweZxZXrO
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Back in the TSA line. Here goes nothing
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’m in. Have an overnight in Miami. Blocking conservatives and radfems who think deserved now that they know my bits
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
The TSA agent said “step back in please” and the manager ran over and was like “no no, you’re good!”
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I am finding out this is completely routine for so many trans people.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
At the gate! Have a sandwich. Have an unexpected day in Miami but I’ll make that fun. @TSA trans bodies are not anomalies.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
In my seat, seeing that ppl have shared these tweets. Please don’t use this as a sensational slow news day but a call for action for the TSA
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I don’t want my #1 Google results to be about genitals or a pic of me crying but that ship seems to have sailed, does it mean anything?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
It was weird when @AmericanAir told me the only flights available were standby pic.twitter.com/LWSCeax5VC
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
For the rad fems attacking me — what brand of feminism defends security forces sight reading sex and pressing a pink or blue button?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This has nothing to with my sex. This has to do with the perception of my sex/gender by the TSA agent. I disclosed my reality immediately.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I was in Orlando with Mom celebrating my birthday/ retirement. We had different flights, she just sent me this email pic.twitter.com/OH7sUvjeSI
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I have a 24 hour layover in Miami and a hotel and am all set. Will enjoy a rainy day in Miami and see where they shot “The Birdcage”
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
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
I’ve had the scanner show an area tons of times. Usually under my arm by my bra, once in hair, ankles. A woman steps up, pats me down, done.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
One of the things NBC reported that I didn’t tweet was how confusing the “who would pat me down” situation was
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
In that moment I was thinking of my comfort and the female TSA agents comfort and this guy didn’t get it.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
But this flag was dead center on my groin. I’m a feminist. I didn’t want to make a woman pat my crotch down. I froze.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Wow, this really had so little to do with @AmericanAir but now they are lying to the press.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
News saying @AmericanAir rebooked me immediately and there were no further issues. Police officer at their counter? pic.twitter.com/rNSrfxdSLf
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Oh my god. The TSA manager told me that the officer was in the wrong and they’re still training new people. https://t.co/WUEM4nIVZl
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’ve decided that based on the actions of the TSA and @AmericanAir to do press after all.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
The TSA may think they are trained and following strict guidelines but if the guidelines include flagging my genitals, they need to change.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
What I am looking for in the @TSA is to work with trans orgs like @TransEquality to update gender nonconforming guidelines.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
What I am looking for from @AmericanAir is to accommodate trans passengers detained by the TSA without additional charge.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
If you are transgender, make sure you report your your body flaggings. This sounds very common but mine got picked up for whatever reason.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
These are my last DMs with @AmericanAir, I wanted help. They were unresponsive beyond you’re booked! We’re good! pic.twitter.com/SLwQAucQCW
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
There is a CURRENT lawsuit against the TSA around this issue. This is no surprise to them https://t.co/yDTQz3hi3B
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This has happened to all my friends. This is not about me. https://t.co/6yX0XhJXl6
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’m still traveling. I am in Miami trying to arrange my day, this is kind of how it’s going 🙂 pic.twitter.com/JTLJZVFgkg
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I described what the flagging screen looked like to an artist. This is the anomaly. pic.twitter.com/SE0NadkPQX
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
All the people tweeting lawsuit! and stuff are grossly overestimating reparations in world that doesn’t want us to exist
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This is so wild. American Airlines saying they booked me immediately at no charge. Why did I depart at 9:50pm? Why the police? LIARS.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
This is a lie. NO ONE at @AmericanAir called me. pic.twitter.com/z0eVDVx3bI
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Can any other airlines book me the rest of my flight so I don’t have to fly on the airlines lying about me in National Press?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
American Airlines shouldn’t even be a part of this but they are lying and it’s. Just. Weird.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Can American Airlines explain how if they immediately booked me flight to Minneapolis that I standing in Miami?! pic.twitter.com/HRuotOFeCL
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I just don’t understand what American Airlines is trying to protect here.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Because American Airlines is calling me a liar in National press, I have asked the Orlando Police Dept to — pic.twitter.com/tP3lRLOpPn
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
— comfirm that American Airlines called the police and the officers responded and made them print me a boarding pass
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’m calling American Airlines since they won’t call me
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
Oh shit. The spokesperson for American Airlines was formerly the spokesperson for the TSA. Now I get it. https://t.co/j1QSsgyJwq
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
I’ve been SO confused by the American Airlines response.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
@HRC prez @ChadHGriffin calls for thorough @TSA investigation @shadipetosky @JennyBoylan #transgender #tsa pic.twitter.com/dyf67zTR4I
— Meghan Stabler (@MeghanStabler) September 22, 2015
Have a 6 am @delta flight out of Newark and it feels like home. Should be in Minneapolis in time for a 9 am studio time.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Never been so happy to see a company logo. pic.twitter.com/SkEp15alo2
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
I am DMing my contact info but ask that the TSA (and @AmericanAir) stop issuing contradictory statements immediately https://t.co/oUXIzjMkj4
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Both the @tsa and @AmericanAir can just say they’re investing and investigate.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
I’m in Newark BTW, gonna find a place to sleep and get on a 6 am @Delta to Minneapolis. (Sharing is what I do now)
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Boarded! @Delta flight to MPLS. So. Tired.! I’m only posting crying, sleepy, or hungry photos from here on out. pic.twitter.com/sPunuY2TpG
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Getting called #freak but they don’t understand @katebornstein taught me to LOVE this word. pic.twitter.com/77tD9baMvA
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Home! (Actually right to work) just 33 hours, defaming airline statements, and a few hundred slurs behind schedule.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
A stranger, passenger @Colarbare interrupted his flight to stop and film the end of the situation. https://t.co/BB2WvsKIYz
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
A bunch of police officers gathered. Not sure why. The tall male yelled a sarcastic “yay” when I walked past. I turned “really?!”
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
The female office said “come on come on” annoyingly then I walked to the closed gate.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Officer Yay can be seen making a kind of “crazy” sign with his hands. pic.twitter.com/d94IcxMSHh
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
They let me go, I was slumping out after being in tears. Why did this officer have to yell out any comment at all as I walked past?
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Thank you SO MUCH to @Colarbare for seeing something and putting himself in harms ways to take a video.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Thank you @Colarbare! pic.twitter.com/grZJgmmKft
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Anyone reporting that I “refused to use the male setting”‘ is wrong. I ASKED to be rescanned using whatever settings was told no.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
They don’t rescan, they pat down. The officer who talked “male scan “!was sent away quickly. He didn’t know procedures.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Conservatives might not realize they’re attacking a small business owner and employer from Montana.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015
Yesterday I did work, did all he interviews, and swam in the ocean most of the afternoon. 0% angry. Just efficient. pic.twitter.com/nv4SIZF4eJ
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 23, 2015