Rising transgender stars such as Laverne Cox of Orange Is The New Black and Hari Nef of Transparent, a show that focuses on transgender issues, have raised awareness about new archetypes of beauty as well as fashion possibilities. And while the highly secure entrance to the SAG Awards may have electronic scanners and security staff with metal-detecting wands, a red carpet is a comparatively safe, broad-minded setting for trans individuals.

But as several cast members of Transparent have pointed out, airport security, with X-ray scanning devices, and staff undertrained in the sensitivity of trans issues, are not such a safe, welcoming environment for gender transitioning or transitioned individuals. Instead, they've made it clear that airports can be a dangerous, unpredictable, and even unsafe environment for individuals who do not fit as neatly into the neatly defined categories on government documentation.

When asked about travel on the red carpet, Transparent cast member Our Lady J opened up about the unfortunate realities. "Airports are really, really difficult for trans people," she told Condé Nast Traveler. "Often, if we go through security, if we are presenting as our authentic gender and we’re perceived to be another gender based on X-ray scans, we’re often detained and dehumanized.“

Hari Nef, also of Transparent, later reiterated the sentiment. "People can be voyeuristic. And airports, in particular, can be tricky. I have been okay so far. But my friend Shadi had this really well-documented, horrific incident that happened to her. When I go to the airport, I kind of dress gender neutral. But it can be difficult."

Shadi in this case is Shadi Petosky, a transgender television producer who was detained at the Orlando airport when a TSA agent found an "anomaly," she said. She tweeted extensively about the incident, noting that "2 police officers, 1 explosives specialist, and four TSA agents" were brought to the scene.

Jeffrey Tambor, who won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Transparent, said the time for change is now. "It’s an opportunity we have," he said, of the award-winning show's capacity to educate. "People need to wake up. That comes from government officials talking, to teachers, to janitors in High Schools, and to TSA people. Everybody has to [wake up]. Non-education is no longer an alibi; we have to be able to kick [this]," he said.

This article has been updated with new information regarding Shadi Petosky's encounter.