The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus condemns the recent actions of TSA officials toward transgender traveler Shadi Petosky. Ms Petosky, while simply en route to her plane like everyone else, was subjected to a humiliating full 40 minute pat-down by security officials because an “anomaly” was detected by the scanner pre-programmed with what is expected based on passenger gender, even after, as she had previously done, advising authorities of her status as a transgender woman.

The Caucus applauds the great progress on LGBT issues by the Obama Administration, but this shows that there is more to be done. Whether this is an isolated incident or just one of many that Ms Petosky courageously brought to light, we strongly encourage the TSA take all necessary and extra steps possible to ensure that passengers are treated respectfully and with dignity by personnel regardless of real or perceived gender identity and/or expression.

The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus represents the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & allies community to the Florida Democratic Party. The Caucus is represented by 16 chapter organizations throughout the state. We work to achieve our mission in four ways: Educate, Advocate, Support, Elect.