US TG travel advisory

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This posting is from: Laura Murphy
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Thought I should pass this on for anyone who hasn't already seen this:

For Immediate Release: Dated September 13, 2003
>From: The National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC)
Contacts: Robyn Walters, Seattle, Washington
Chair, Vanessa Edwards Foster; Houston, Texas
Contact Email: ntacmedia@aol.com
media@ntac.org
Contact Phone: 832-483-9901
360-437-4091
Website: http://www.ntac.org

Security Alert: "Males Dressed As Females" Traveling To America To Face
Extra Scrutiny

Just in time for the upcoming Southern Comfort Conference and other fall
convention taking place around the globe, the U.S. government issued new
rules last week to airport security and law enforcement agencies, which will
impact the transgender community. This most recent alert specifically
mentions 'males b& dressed as females.'

According to the agency's Press Release #238, intelligence collected
globally by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
apparently leads them to believe that soft targets, and more clever
approaches including use of disguise are considered the next trend in
terrorism.

Quoting the USDHS alert to the pertinent agencies, "Previous attacks
underscore Al-Qaeda's ability to employ suicide bombers - a tactic which can
be used against soft targets and VIP's. Terrorists will employ novel methods
to artfully conceal suicide devices. Male bombers may dress as females in
order to discourage scrutiny."

The agency also noted that "Recent mass-casualty attacks in Saudi Arabia,
Indonesia, and Iraq used car bombs against hotels and housing compounds,
suggesting that "soft" targets with minimum physical security measures could
be viewed as attractive options in the U.S."B Soft targets include apartment
complexes, hotels, gas stations, shopping malls and restaurants.B
(http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0238.xml)

For the transgender community, this means that airport screeners and other
law enforcement agencies will be much more vigilant than usual.B It also
means they may be more likely to commit unwitting abuses.B At the minimum,
the transgender community should be mindful of the new alerts and prepare
accordingly when traveling this fall, especially if flying.

Crossdressers should seriously consider doing any air travel in male garb
until reaching their destination.B With a focus on soft targets, even more
casual pursuits such as shopping or going to restaurants could also
potentially draw scrutiny.B

Even for those who've transitioned, issues may arise if authorities suspect
something.B When traveling, it is advisable to consider bringing your
court-ordered name (and gender) change papers. While terrorists may make
fake identifications, they won't carry name change documents signed and
notarized by a court.

In either case, be prepared to openly explain the truth about your
transgender status if stopped and questioned by authorities.B As frightening
as this scenario may appear, hesitation or evasive answers will only draw
more intense scrutiny and could possibly lead to police holding one
temporarily for further interrogation.B Lack of cooperation with authorities
will likely be treated unfavorably and unapologetically.

"This isn't a request for everyone to be 'out and proud' or scare tactics,"
said Vanessa Edwards Foster, chair of the National Transgender Advocacy
Coalition (NTAC) in the U.S.B "We're trying to avoid having innocent
transgenders jailed because a hesitant answer was inaccurately deemed as
hiding terrorist motivations," as a result of the DHS security alert.B

NTAC also requests reports of any incidents where a transgendered party is
forthcoming with all requests, and consequently is verbally or physically
abused, or arrested under questionable pretense.B If something of this
nature occurs, we encourage those parties to keep a detailed report of all
actions taken.B An increased need for security should not give law
enforcement a right to make personal character judgments and to abuse
cooperative innocents.

"While the worst-case scenarios appear rather alarming, we don't want to
discourage the community from traveling or conducting themselves as before."
NTAC's Foster said.B "There's still a good chance this won't affect most
travelers.B

"Live your lives," Foster suggested.B "Just be forthright when the situation
calls for it - and be prepared."

Travel smart - travel safely.

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(This posting was entered by Laura Murphy, an external user of MyDLV.)

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This posting is from: delaney olsson
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I do not fly en femme, but my checked baggage is opened at least every
other flight - often, the repack damages items. I don't know what in the
baggage sets off the inspection, but it happens regularly. My carry-on
is straight male, and is rarely checked.

Delaney

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(This posting was entered by delaney olsson, an external user of MyDLV.)

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This posting is from: JoAnn
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Let me tell you my "findings"---

I fly three(3) airlines on a highly regular basis which somewhat
gives me a "mini- clearance".

I make sure that I do not have anything that is a metal case----
i.e. a razor case or make-up case or the like.

What has set off the inspection are my high heels as they have metal
in the heels.

JoAnn

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(This posting was entered by JoAnn, an external user of MyDLV.)