Originally Posted by TSABoston57

If the passenger is male, but presents themselves as a female, that passenger would then be patted down by a female TSO. Same would go for a female passenger presenting themselves as a male who would then be patted down by a male TSO. That is, at the very least, our standard operating procedure. This very rarely happens, at least in my own experience. I would assume, that if a passenger who is in fact male, but presents themselves as a female, requested to be patted down by a male TSO, that would be accommodated. But again, such experiences are rarely seen, from what I've experienced. But of course, I can't speak for other airports. (I work out of BOS).

Also, keep in mind. The same-sex screening is not mandatory, there have been plenty of cases of opposite-sex screening at smaller airports, that do not have the available TSOs of the desired gender.

I can't really speak for why exactly same-sex screening is encouraged, but I would assume it would have something to do with comfort zones and deterrence of say, sexual harassment. I mean, to be quite frank, would many female passengers be comfortable being patted down by a male that they do not know? Or vice versa.

Originally Posted by RonDace

I just discussed this with my wife. Mrs. Dace said I could ask for a female TSO to pat me down as long as she could watch.