Immigration and Customs issues for LBs

[Guest]

Dear Alram,

What a Great Thread you have started, not only are your before/after pics superfine, personally what I feel is: "do what 'ya gotta do to get it done" but once completed go out and have a blast! Your good spirit/karma show in both pictures and I know u are a fighter for truth and justice...
Best of Luck 2u on your Journeys...

[jaymee]

Singapore is alot futher than most countries discrimination wise but I've not experienced it negatively so far so I'm lucky in that sense.

But I feel for ya Marla - since the part I find royally silly is that alot of this bias against trans folk is rationalized by "the threat of terroism" or what not - but really boils down to the staff's invidividual biases.

People at the counter... rarely exercise judgement - they're just paper pushers. They got some set policy they need to adhere and half of them probably don't know the rationale of the policy.

If something crops up outside this policy sphere, they'd simply stare blankly - in singapore usually we have to go "I want to see your manager" or "I want to complain!" before they snap out of the daze.

I don't know how they can forsake their discretion. But I think one's mileage may vary as I said, I've not had anyone question me before - even when my picture had a crew cut.

Btw, when you told me about the picture yesterday I was expecting much worse. Hahah!

I think you actually take a better passport pic than I do ! I still don't bother to change mine at all - I look either like a very gay man or a bull dyke. But I never had problems checking in, I don't think you would as well. Singapore passport is very powerful!

[alan1chef]

Discrimination has no place in modern society and it's time that countries like the US used their influence to demand that all their trading partners eliminate discrimination in international trade and commerce, including international travel.

It's easy to tell Marla to suck it up and do whatever the backward immigration officers want....but I think all of us need to step into her shoes and feel what she feels. I agree with you Marla, it's really insulting and an obvious double standard. Hopefully, as more states here in the US throw out gay marriage laws, the ripples will help other countries do the same.

[Stogie]

That's a really interesting story.

The funny thing is that the authorities want her to look on her pass port like someone she will never look like in real life!

They are idiots, but then most government workers are. no-one with an imagination would choose a government job.

By the way - you look great in the pictures... can't wait till you get to Thailand!

[alram]

I really appreciate the passionate replies so far. You guys (and girls!) are really sweet!

I even told her about the express check-in counters using thumbprints, the ones I usually use at M'sian customs because I can't be arsed to join a long queue, and not get a decent smile from the officers even those I flash whatever pearly whites I have.

One can easily argue that our perception on gender is deeply embedded in us, but point of view aside, even monkeys can tell a banana and a dildo apart. Having long hair and nicely made-up features does not make me a master-of-disguise. If I turned up with high heels but sport a week-old stubble, they prolly won't ask if I'm taking hormones! Well, the gender argument is weak as water and I find that I'm hardly contesting it at all.

All I asked for was to be given a passport with a photo that'd reflect what I am in life so that I don't have to worry about the potential delays that could arise. Sure, I could prolly give in and do whatever they require, Hell, I'll even pack a sock for them- I have plenty other opportunities to suck it in and this is definitely not one of them.

Well S, I'm definitely writing a letter to ask for their SOP as well as to clarify certain grey areas. I speak for all, and not just transgenders. Marla shall push for the state law that all mannish women to throw on a wig for their official photos and in all international airports. Soon, scouts and girlguides will be peddling wigs at departure halls for soup.

[Stogie]

Marla shall push for the state law that all mannish women to throw on a wig for their official photos and in all international airports. Soon, scouts and girlguides will be peddling wigs at departure halls for soup...

[andre459]

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marla.

If no one takes a stand then nothing will change and I admire the courage and conviction that must take.

[SamplerDoc]

Good info here and thanks for sharing your story Alram

[liisawinkler]

[quote]
(alram @ Oct. 22 2008,12:52)

But this is Singapore! I can't believe they still hold on to such medieval concepts on gender! How the hell does Boy George gets past immigrations?!

wait till you get to hong kong girl...

the first time i was there they grilled me with lots of nonsense questions about purpose of visit as well as direct questions on my gender issues which I could easily tackle

the multiple times ive been in their office ive come to recognize that their questions and actions towards individuals like us entering their country is pure intimidation as the queries they present have become obsolete and irritatingly easy to answer...

[razrman]

This is typical Singapore civil service stupidity. In the first place when you use the automated passport readers with the thumbprint thingy, no immigration officer looks at your face or your photograph, it's a machine! The problem would be with another country - what business is it of theirs?
When it comes to these things we're really off track.
Cheers Alram.

[Stingray]

Their logic is totally arse about face, why make someone look completely different to reality?

And why when i was last at changi was there a group of thai katoey dressed to the nines...i was with business company else my phone would have been stretched to take the numbers....

Ridiculous control over ones own citizens is probably the most abhorent thing about any government.

Thai immigration will probably see it the other way, whatever they are more than used to it and you'll have little trouble her (not that i've ever come through wearing my dolly parton wig and tutu....55555)

Anyway, i loved your writing....wanna beer in bangers, they are on me, just friends like.