If subject to a pat-down, may you ask screener's sexual orientation?
Jul 3, 2011, 1:08 am
#1
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If subject to a pat-down, may you ask screener's sexual orientation?
Well, I know you may ask, but what expectation do you have of receiving an answer? First, let me start out by saying I'm not homophobic in the least, some of my best friends are gay and I anxiously await the repeal of Prop 8 in California. But I'm still curious, what rights to you have to ask the screener's sexual orientation if subject to a pat-down at the airport? I don't think it's unreasonable to want to ensure that the person conducting the security screening doesn't have an ulterior motive and as such is screening for security purposes only. More than that, though, I think every TSO deserves to feel the discomfort most would feel having their sexuality a subject of public discussion; perhaps then there will be some change from within...
Last edited by JumboD; Jul 3, 2011 at 11:21 am
Jul 3, 2011, 1:25 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 453
I think asking if they are a child molester or a rapist is a good question. We are talking about a very touchy feely full body rubdown that includes the breast and gentials being touched by total strangers.
Last edited by Lara21; Jul 3, 2011 at 1:42 am
Jul 3, 2011, 2:23 am
#4
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A cop pats down people, should you ask them? How about a doctor or nurse? They touch your body, even see it naked. Ask a masseuse? A tailor who measures and touches you?
And I hate the line "I have many friends who are gay, black, latino, insert other race, religion, skin color....."
Mini rant over and I even did it sober
And I hate the line "I have many friends who are gay, black, latino, insert other race, religion, skin color....."
Mini rant over and I even did it sober
Jul 3, 2011, 4:27 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,702
Well, I know you may ask, but what expectation do you have of receiving an answer? First, let me start out by saying I'm not homophobic in the least, some of my best friends are gay and I anxiously await the repeal of Prop 8 in California. But I'm still curious, what rights to you have to ask the screener's sexual orientation if subject to a pat-down at the airport? I don't think it's unreasonable to want to ensure that the person conducting the security screening doesn't have an arterial motive and as such is screening for security purposes only. More than that, though, I think every TSO deserves to feel the discomfort most would feel having their sexuality a subject of public discussion; perhaps then there will be some change from within...
First, the only people it would make uncomfortable are those who are homophobic.
Second, that you thought such, and based on what you wrote, leads mento believe you are homophobic.
Moderators do need to close this silly thread.
Jul 3, 2011, 5:41 am
#8
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There was a thread sometime back about lines someone could use to make the agent as uncomfortable as possible and i truly believe that is the best way to send the message across. ie, certain noises, certain whispering words etc....
Jul 3, 2011, 6:11 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
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I can't see why the screener's sexual orientation is relevant, but you certainly do have the right to ask a screener their gender since you are supposed to only be patted down by somebody who has the same gender as you. It's important to always remember that a person's gender is not the same as their sex and the only way to know somebody's gender is to ask them.
Jul 3, 2011, 6:30 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2010
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I can't see why the screener's sexual orientation is relevant, but you certainly do have the right to ask a screener their gender since you are supposed to only be patted down by somebody who has the same gender as you. It's important to always remember that a person's gender is not the same as their sex and the only way to know somebody's gender is to ask them.
Jul 3, 2011, 7:04 am
#11
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How can you prove somebody's gender? Not everybody has sex organs that correspond to their gender. ID's show sex, not gender.
Jul 3, 2011, 7:04 am
#12
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A friend of a friend did this long ago, moaning while be patted down. I suspect it happens often nowadays.
Jul 3, 2011, 7:22 am
#13
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On the rare occasions when something like this happens (haven't experienced the moaning yet), when men I am patting down tell me that now I owe them dinner, I have always said "Oh, a "date"? Sure, where do you want to go." That has ALWAYS shut them up. Honestly, I very much believe those who think this will make a screener uncomfortable are themselves homophobic.
Jul 3, 2011, 7:27 am
#14
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TSA policy says that the pat down will be done by someone of the same sex. I can only think of two possible reasons for that policy:
1 - given the physical contact involved, to ensure that the TSO does not regard the pat down as sexual.
2 - given the physical contact involved, to ensure that the passenger does not regard the pat down as sexual.
The fact that a homosexual passenger cannot opt for an opposite-gender TSO suggests that it isn't really #2. And if the reason is #1, then the question in the thread title doesn't seem unreasonable.
1 - given the physical contact involved, to ensure that the TSO does not regard the pat down as sexual.
2 - given the physical contact involved, to ensure that the passenger does not regard the pat down as sexual.
The fact that a homosexual passenger cannot opt for an opposite-gender TSO suggests that it isn't really #2. And if the reason is #1, then the question in the thread title doesn't seem unreasonable.
Jul 3, 2011, 7:50 am
#15
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Keep in mind that constitutional rights are granted to the people rather than to the government and those with an agency relationship to it.