UPDATE: The Human Rights Campaign is calling on the TSA for a "swift and thorough investigation," after the agency told The Advocate that it believes its agents followed "strict guidelines" based on "evidence" from surveillance cameras and "other information." Scroll down to read the full statement from the TSA.
When trans woman Shadi Petosky entered the security area of Orlando International Airport Monday, she also entered into a series of embarrassing and frightening interactions with agents from the Transportation Security Administration. Petosky, who was in Florida to celebrate her birthday with her mother, live-tweeted each disgraceful event as it happened.
And her troubles didn't end in the screening area but continued when she missed her flight home to Los Angeles because of her detention by the TSA.
What follows is her story, told through her tweets. The Advocate reached out to Petosky for comment, but she has not yet responded. We also reached out to the TSA, and you can scroll down to the end to read its updated statement in response to our inquiry.
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
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
A man a brown suit came and whispered to TSA agent Sean San Roman to make sure I am not taking photos or video.
— 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
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
There is no one at the American Airlines gate. So I guess I go back out. Fuuuuuuu
— 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
TSA told me to rebook at the gate but it is closed so they are making me leave until a
— 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
They're offering standby in this hostile airport.
— 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
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
Reporters are calling me but please leave the lines open for American Airlines or actor Kyle Chandler.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I just got a robo call to tell me that flights in Miami were delayed. Um, I didn't make that flight.
— 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
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
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
News to me! I am in the corner charging my phone. How? Where? https://t.co/44rTXFBLBO
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
I just talked to my smart friend @SmartAssJen, Press, please contact her to discuss this issue. It has happened to many trans people.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 21, 2015
Press, please also contact @TransEquality and @1demerith who have experience with this.
— 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
The TSA is checking DNA https://t.co/64pKChZ8QK
— 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'm single. Please RT.
— 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
Be outraged. https://t.co/LqSL694WpQ
— 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
I can't sleep.
— Shadi Petosky (@shadipetosky) September 22, 2015
If others want to tell #travelingwhiletrans stories, let's use this hashtag to collect them so people know what's going on. Pls. re-tweet.
— Meredith Talusan (@1demerith) September 22, 2015
For starters, #travelingwhiletrans often involves needing to disclose as #trans to airport officials, which is none of their business.
— Meredith Talusan (@1demerith) September 22, 2015
For every story like @shadipetosky, there are are hundreds of #travelingwhiletrans stories of stress and microaggression whenever we travel.
— Meredith Talusan (@1demerith) September 22, 2015
Yes. People who bind their chests have as much trouble as trans women with "crotch anomalies". System is broke. @TSA https://t.co/Dg08mvAyUV
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) September 21, 2015
Before anyone says it's a security issue, I fly at lot and only got detained once. So it's inconsistent, which means poor training. @TSA
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) September 21, 2015
I too have been taken away, detained, invasively patted down because scanner showed an "anomaly", despite my explanation. Unacceptable @TSA
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) September 21, 2015
Well that was thoroughly mortifying. After three issues with the body scan they told me there was an "anomaly" in my groin.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) December 19, 2013
Used to be @TSA asked u take your shoes off now I guess they want you to take your civil liberties off too! Wow my babies wow!
— Tig Notaro (@TigNotaro) September 22, 2015
Statement from the TSA's spokesman Mike England:
“Our officers are trained to properly screen members of the transgender community. TSA takes all potential civil rights violations very seriously and conducted a review of the incident. After examining closed circuit TV video and other available information, TSA has determined that the evidence shows our officers followed TSA’s strict guidelines. Supervisory personnel and a Passenger Support Specialist participated in the screening to ensure guidelines were met.”
Click here to learn more about HRC's call for a full investigation.
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