TSA — Transportation Security Administration That Barred Transgender Officers From Pat-Downs
Status: 🔴 U.S. Transportation Security Administration (2001– ) that, under Secretary Kristi Noem, barred transgender officers from performing pat-downs and using restrooms matching their gender, and removed transgender protections from its screening procedures.
Overview
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for aviation security, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Under Noem, TSA became a testing ground for implementing Executive Order 14168 in the federal workforce and among travelers.
Anti-Trans Actions (2025)
- Barred transgender officers from performing pat-downs consistent with their gender and from using restrooms matching their gender.
- Rescinded its transgender screening directive (MD 900.3).
- Ended recognition of Pride Month.
- Banned “X” gender markers and pronouns.
- Removed gender identity from its anti-harassment protections.
- Deleted its “Transgender Travelers” guidance page.
In November 2025, a transgender TSA officer filed a federal lawsuit challenging the policies. In October 2025, TSA’s parent department required airlines to enter “M” or “F” for every passenger, disregarding “X” passport markers.
Related Pages
Sources
- AP News: Transgender TSA officers barred from pat-downs, lawsuit says (Nov 12, 2025)
- DHS: Message from Secretary Kristi Noem on EO 14168 Implementation (Feb 7, 2025)
- NYT: Airlines Told to Enter M or F for Passengers With X Passport Markers (Oct 20, 2025)