10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Holiday Gift Guide Button
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

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.
The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by 10News.com. By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Flagging a comment will send it to our editorial staff for review.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Don’t believe everything people tell you about home improvement. Check out the top 4 myths and stop throwing away your money. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Living well with type-1 or type-2 diabetes can be easier than you might think. Use our diabetes resource guide. More

Sponsored Links

2009 Holidays

It's hard not to go overboard on holiday spending for the kids, the spouse or other family and friends. Here's some advice that can help you manage your money this holiday season. More
Section: Holidays