SAme Gender Pat-downs.... whats that all about?

[Danno 1,228]

When I heard the TSA is conducting "same gender" pat-downs, a couple questions presented themselves.

-What is the reason for same gender personnel doing the pat-down?

-Do we have an option?... If so it might not draw so much flak.

- Are Gay travelers offered a waiver?

-What if the TSA agent is Gay?

- we are told over and over again that men in the military are "professional" enough to share showers and birthing quarters with men attracted to men... so relax, why can't travelers get this same concept with pat downs from the TSA?

Edited November 16, 2010 by Danno

[mawilson 2,133]

True, most guys wouldn't mind getting a pat-down from an attractive woman.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

So Danno, in a couple of decades from now when you are old and infirm, and can no longer control your bowels, let alone bathe by yourself, are you going to only insist on a female to change your diaper or bathe you?

[mawilson 2,133]

So Danno, in a couple of decades from now when you are old and infirm, and can no longer control your bowels, let alone bathe by yourself

Assumptions, assumptions.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

When I heard the TSA is conducting "same gender" pat-downs, a couple questions presented themselves.

-What is the reason for same gender personnel doing the pat-down?

-Do we have an option?... If so it might not draw so much flak.

- Are Gay travelers offered a waiver?

-What if the TSA agent is Gay?

- we are told over and over again that men in the military are "professional" enough to share showers and birthing quarters with men attracted to men... so relax, why can't travelers get this same concept with pat downs from the TSA?

It's to avoid sexual misconduct complaints. I'm honestly surprised you're questioning it.. it makes complete sense to have it same sex.

I doubt there's a choice. What if some guys like "I'm gay so a girl should do it" just to get his jollies off? What if a TSA agent claims s/he is gay for the same reasons?

Same sex makes sense. My husband would flip if some guy tried to pat me down.

[^_^ 5,021]

What if some guys like "I'm gay so a girl should do it" just to get his jollies off?

What if some guys like "I'm male on the outside but female on the inside" and goes to the ladies room just to get his jollies off?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

What if some guys like "I'm male on the outside but female on the inside" and goes to the ladies room just to get his jollies off?

you know you raise a good point. If I saw a man in the ladies room, even if he identified as female I would ask that he leave (or leave myself.. depending where we were). I figure if s/he looks female (attire, manner etc) she it's more likely s/he is telling the truth but surely there's etiquette out there for transgender people.. can't say I've ever thought about it :S

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Assumptions, assumptions.

It will happen to everyone eventually.....unless they die before they reach that point.

[Danno 1,228]

It's to avoid sexual misconduct complaints. I'm honestly surprised you're questioning it.. it makes complete sense to have it same sex.

I doubt there's a choice. What if some guys like "I'm gay so a girl should do it" just to get his jollies off? What if a TSA agent claims s/he is gay for the same reasons?

Same sex makes sense. My husband would flip if some guy tried to pat me down.

Why do you assume there are no real Gay people out there?

Run your "what ifs" again with actually Gay agents and actual Gay travelers involved.

[mawilson 2,133]

It will happen to everyone eventually.....unless they die before they reach that point.

Er... no. My grandfather was 94 when he died and he was still perfectly capable of controlling his bowels.

[Danno 1,228]

So Danno, in a couple of decades from now when you are old and infirm, and can no longer control your bowels, let alone bathe by yourself, are you going to only insist on a female to change your diaper or bathe you?

While I appreciate your humor, this was a good opportunity to dig a little deeper.

[chri'stina 190]

I don't remember if it's done every time but I have gotten pat downs when leaving India, in security right before getting on the plane. (double security lines when leaving Mumbai). It's of course separated by gender and there is a cloth curtain to stand behind. No way would I want a male officer, neither in the US or India. In these situations, it's much more appropriate for it to be same gender.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Er... no. My grandfather was 94 when he died and he was still perfectly capable of controlling his bowels.

Lucky man. Unfortunately, he's more the exception than the rule. Bladder and bowel control requires muscles contractions and muscle tissue breaks down with age. That's only one of the consequences. Difficulty swallowing is another. If you live to be 94, don't expect to be able to do most the everyday things you do now - even the ones you take for granted.

[mawilson 2,133]

Lucky man. Unfortunately, he's more the exception than the rule.

I doubt that. 90 is the new 60.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Why do you assume there are no real Gay people out there?

Run your "what ifs" again with actually Gay agents and actual Gay travelers involved.

OMG, Danno. Have you double checked every hospital or doctor's office you've been to to make sure no gay men were taking care of you? Think back carefully now and sit down while you do it because this might be traumatic for you.