Traveling While Trans: Impacts of TSA Interactions With Trans/Non-Binary Individuals

Abstract

Airport security involves one of the most ubiquitous identity checks individuals face, and yet there is very little research devoted to the experiences of transgender (trans) people with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This study attempts to examine the broad experiences of individuals who identify as trans with TSA. It uses the U.S. Transgender Survey (2015) data to gain a better understanding of what interactions members of the trans/non-binary community TSA entail and to what extent physical presentation impacts those experiences. Further, this study uses item response theory-based analysis to better characterize the commonality and severity of experiences trans individuals are exposed to, particularly when their physical appearance reads as ambiguous. Implications for future research and policy regarding gender-affirming care are considered.

Keywords

transgender gender presentation identity negotiation gender surveillance discrimination

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