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LadyDemonikaTS -> RE: My two impressions of America (12/15/2007 3:13:42 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stella41b
I have spent 48 hours in the United States - physically, but not legally, as I was not allowed to cross the border and enter the United States. I have two completely different impressions of America based on my experiences, both of which contrast with each other radically, even oppose each other. My first is at the hands of US Department of Border and Homeland Security with whom I spent time at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. My second impression came from the Atlanta City Detention Center where I was held overnight.
Was my being a TS female a problem for the inmates of the prison? No, it wasn't. I was received at the same time as an armed robber.. and sitting among the prisoners they made me feel very welcome, they were polite and respectful, and understanding. It would have been nice to experience more of this welcome from the American people, but sadly it was not to be. I was taken by the respect people have for each other, the 'Yes Sir' and "Yes Ma'am' used as a common form of address between people, how you can sit among people, black, white, male, female, straight, gay, and nobody's really bothered. I was in the male section, and when I explained who I was and why I was there to the prison staff they changed their attitude and became much more friendly and understanding.
My being a TS female was a major issue with the immigration officials, right from the start. I was questioned intensively, I answered all questions openly and honestly, I showed my documents, I gave information, I let them search me, search my luggage. I was accused of trying to enter the US illegally on a fake passport, despite showing five other forms of ID with the same identity. I was mocked, laughed at, called a liar.. accused of fraud and threatened with immediate deportation. At one point I had six officials surrounding me demanding to know whether I had a penis or not. I was told 'In the US you're male, get over it' and 'You ain't got no rights here'.
I'm from Canada, and I got pretty much the exact same treatment when I landed on August 31st at Gatwick in the UK. Being TS, but haven't been able to afford name change ($300-$600 in Quebec!!!!), I looked female but the passport had that icky male name.
Questioned intensely, etc, just like you were. Thank the spirits my sub/lover couldn't make it to the airport to meet me (sick) because she'd have waited hours there for nada (a 15 quid trip each way as well for train).
Shoved into Colnbrook detention center (at Heathrow). Thankfully, the staff involved were *majorly* understanding and aware of the TS issue. Made sure that I was addressed as such, treated as such, and when put into detention put in a separate cell and given "walk time" alone and away from the population.
It happens everywhere. Except here in Canada it seems... my sub/lover has been able to come over twice now and not a major prob (second time was questioned a bit more but sent through). But I wouldn't be surprised if it did happen in Canada too.
Did I let the experience at Gatwick and Colnbrook affect my impression of the UK? No not one iota. I knew and know still enough on the UK that I knew that risk was there (primarily because of *being TS*). Am I afraid to go back there? Not really, just cautious (I'll cross uber casual with very unisex look).
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