Harsh Truths About Trans and Non-Binary Travel Revealed

Traveling as a cisgender male or female – someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex and gender assigned to them at birth – can have its regular annoyances such as waiting behind slow, unprepared travelers in a long airport security line. But those normal situations pale in comparison to what trans and non-binary have to deal with when traveling.

In a recent Skyscanner webinar, trans and non-binary panelists revealed how they cannot travel as their authentic selves, which heightens their anxiety and can produce some uncomfortable situations. In TSA security lines, the officer operating the body scanners is required to press a button for “M” or “F.” And not everyone’s gender expression and gender identity match the body seen on the scanner.

Just ask trans male Giovanni Santiago. He often goes to the bathroom prior to stepping into the security line to ensure his packer – a prosthetics or padding worn in underwear to give the appearance of a bulge – is positioned appropriately.

“I have to always think like, OK, how is it positioned? Am I good? Like sometimes I try to go to the restroom before to make sure it’s in a secure spot. So that way, it’s not going to flag censors,” said Santiago, founder of META Centre Inc, an organization that provides support programs for transgender and gender non-conforming youth.

Even after a quick stop in the bathroom, he has been pulled out of line and asked to go to a private room to show a TSA officer his packer, which he admits, is more of an uncomfortable situation for the officer. Regardless of comfort level, he believes it’s a mental game he has to play as a trans traveler that cisgender travelers never experience.

In addition to scanners, passports and legal documentation also present a problem for trans or non-binary travelers, who don’t identify with the gender noted on their passports. Writer Zoe Stoller says they suppress their trans and non-binary identity because they still have an “F” on their passports. So, they pass for a CIS gender woman, which allows them the option to travel somewhat hassle-free.

Traveling the path of least resistance works for some trans vacationers, who adopt necessary behaviors to not only decrease anxiety but also to manage physical comfort while traveling.

 “I haven’t had top surgery, so I will be binding. But actually wearing a binder on the plane is incredibly uncomfortable, particularly if you’re flying long distance,” said Max Slack, a trans content producer, and activist. “So, we go to our sports bra, but if I wear a sports bra am I going to be gendered as a female? Then is my passport going to work because I have an “M” on my passport because there are no gender-neutral options?”

The panelists discuss several travel-related topics, including positive travel trends and experiences. You can watch the webinar in its entirety via the video player embedded in this article or on Skyscanner’s YouTube channel.