Trans Travel Tips

BY CASEY WEITZMAN, M.A., L.M.F.T.

Summer is just about here and many of us travel this time of year. For transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who are in transition — or have recently transitioned — you need to be more than mentally/emotionally prepared for a trip, especially if you’re traveling by air. I recently came across a great article on Afar.com relevant to this topic. Below, is a distillation of some of its important points buttressed by what I’ve learned mixed with some silly sarcasm:

1. Make sure your passport/driver’s license photos and your current appearance are visually consistent. Now, I don’t mean to simply avoid having a bad hair day. During the first several years of HRT, our faces change quite a bit. They really do. If you don’t believe me, ask your friends, therapists, or neighbors. If your appearance has changed so much so that you look nothing like your picture because of hormones, medical procedures, and cosmetic decisions, I urge you to get a new photo and update your passport as soon as possible, but close to your departure date.
2. If you’re required to be patted down by a TSA official, you CAN request to have the pat-down conducted in private with a companion of your own choosing — your companion can be of any gender. GWLA has prepared letters for our clients to send to the TSA prior to departure date or to bring with you on the day of departure. These letters state certain information that may ease the process but, it is in no way a guarantee.
3. When carrying your medications, such as hormones and syringes in your carry-on, keep the pharmaceutical labels intact. Be sure to declare syringes or dilators to inspectors before going through security and be willing to explain the medical necessity of why you have them. The absurdity of this makes my skin crawl. We are taught and shamed to hide such things and now we are asked to volunteer our dilators with vibrancy and openness?
4. Chest binders may need to undergo Emplosive Trace Detection or swabbing. To be clear, you are not required to lift, remove or raise an article of clothing and should not be asked to remove it. If so, ASK to speak to a supervisor. You can also ask to be screened in a private room. Remember that you can do it! If you can remain calm, it is to your advantage. I mean this sincerely and use it often, “Don’t forget to breathe.” And, if you can’t, lose it if you have to. I certainly have!

I think Alex Verman, the author of the aforementioned article, states it perfectly:

“The important thing to remember is that there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with you or your body. There’s no reason for people to be seeing you as a threat, and you have every right to demand respectful treatment.”

Safe travels, stand proud!

— Casey

P.S. You may also find the following post from Afar.com useful: The Most Important Resources for LGBTQ Travelers