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SD Airport Employee Sparks Complaints

POSTED: 7:42 pm PST November 9, 2009
UPDATED: 1:53 pm PST November 10, 2009

Several employees at Lindbergh Field said a transgender worker has pushed their limits of comfort, 10News reported.

The employee directs terminal traffic, and 10News learned the worker -- who was born a man, but lives as a woman -- has caused some concern among female employees.

The airport's employee union confirmed the transgender worker has proven she emotionally feels like a woman, and by law they must respect that.

"By state law they have to; they can't discriminate against anybody," said transsexual Autumn Sandeen. "It's not body parts that make you who you are."

However, several employees told 10News the main reason for their concern was that the worker can use female employee restrooms and locker rooms. The concerned employees said that crosses the line of comfort.

"If you're looking at safety perspective, there's nothing to worry about," said Sandeen.

Sandeen said she understands the way some women may feel, but she said using a men's room could be dangerous.

"There's a lot of homophobia and transphobia that a lot of men have, and a locker room is a place they will beat someone," said Sandeen.

Though 10News has received several complaints, employees said they were afraid to publically come forward to share their concerns in fear of losing their jobs.

The San Diego Airport Authority and employee's union met with employees last week to notify and educate them.

The Airport Authority did not comment, citing it as a personnel issue.
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