Trans TikToker Miles McKenna recalls terrifying TSA experience which fans dub ‘cannon ftm’ event
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Trans TikToker Miles McKenna recently shared a harrowing experience he had with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the airport, which fans have dubbed a “cannon ftm” event. The 28-year-old trans man took to TikTok in January to recount the incident, where he alleges he was bombarded by TSA agents for wearing a binder.
In the TikTok video, McKenna begins by describing the ordeal he faced at the airport in 2017. He explains how he encountered a TSA security guard who he believed was an ally, as the guard went out of his way to communicate with him and affirm his gender. McKenna, who was around six months into his transition journey at the time, felt that the guard must have recognized him as trans due to the effort he was making.
As McKenna went through the scanner, an abnormality on his chest was flagged, leading to a pat-down by TSA agents. According to McKenna, the agent’s hands went straight onto his chest, and when he realized McKenna was wearing a binder, he became angry and questioned what was underneath. McKenna, who had not undergone top surgery at that point, felt vulnerable and exposed as multiple agents surrounded him and demanded he remove his clothes.
The situation escalated quickly as McKenna found himself in a small room with TSA agents yelling at him to undress. Despite being in his boxer briefs and binder, the agents suspected he was concealing contraband under the binder. McKenna expressed frustration at the lack of LGBT cultural competency training among airport security personnel, highlighting their ignorance about binders and transgender individuals.
McKenna’s experience resonated with others in the LGBTQ+ community, with one commenter referring to it as the “canon ftm airport experience.” Several individuals shared similar encounters with TSA, recounting instances where they were mistaken for carrying prohibited items due to their gender presentation. The comments section of McKenna’s TikTok video reflected a shared sentiment among trans individuals who have faced discrimination and scrutiny at airport security checkpoints.
Instances of mistreatment and discrimination against trans individuals at airports are unfortunately not uncommon. In 2019, a trans woman was pressured to show her genitals to airport security to be allowed to fly, while another trans woman was outed to a crowd at an airport in Orlando, Florida. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by trans travelers in navigating airport security protocols and the need for increased awareness and sensitivity training among TSA agents.
PinkNews reached out to TSA for a comment on McKenna’s experience, but has yet to receive a response. McKenna’s TikTok video has sparked conversations about the treatment of trans individuals at airports and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all travelers.
Overall, McKenna’s story sheds light on the systemic issues within airport security procedures that disproportionately affect transgender individuals. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and respect for all members of the LGBTQ+ community in all facets of society.
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