Last week, transgender SEPTA riders and their allies protested gender designations on the weekly and monthly TransPasses.
The demonstrators argue that these gender demarcations are discriminatory. We agree and think SEPTA should stop using the stickers with gender labels.
The “M” and “F” stickers on the TransPasses single riders out based on their gender identity. There have reportedly been instances when SEPTA employees have taken away the passes of transgender riders and where transgender passengers have been harassed. Philadelphia doesn’t need a system that causes violence and promotes inequality.
The labels are ostensibly added to the TransPasses to cut down on people stealing or sharing passes and cheating SEPTA out of money. But there are more effective ways to prevent misuse of public transportation passes that don’t involve gender labelling. SEPTA could institute a system such as the one used in the New York transportation system, where unlimited metrocards can’t be swiped a second time until 18 minutes after they are first swiped.
The principle of equal rights for all is fundamental in the United States. In this city where the Constitution was written, equal treatment regardless of sexual or gender identity needs to be valued. We hope SEPTA addresses the issues caused by these stickers soon.
