Transgender Woman Mocked At Utah DMV, Forced To Scrub Off Makeup
Posted By Eric Ethington (Author) on March 26, 2011
UPDATE: State denies the discrimination happened, but the victim speaks out and says otherwise. See here.
Salt Lake City, Utah – Not a highlight of our state. On Thursday this week, a transgender woman entered a local DMV to renew her license only to find half the staff mocking and ridiculing her, including security forcing her to scrub off her makeup and pull her hair back before she could take her photo.
Local hero Amber Anderton
Local resident Amber Anderton watched a horrifying scene play out in front of her this past Thursday at the DMV located at 1095 Motor Ave. (approx. 200 N 1000 W) in Salt Lake City, as a transgender woman sat down at the photo station to renew her license. “When the DMV worker looked at her,” says Amber, “he immediately left and got another employee, whispered in their ear and they both began laughing as they looked back at the woman. They both then went and got security who escorted the woman back to a supervisor’s office. When they came back out the woman was taken to the restroom where she had to scrub off her makeup and pull her hair back before they would let her take her license photo.”
Amber goes on to describe how the original two employees were seen walking from office to office, and several other employees came out to laugh and toss anti-transgender slurs around.
Mortified at what she was witnessing, 29 year old Amber approached the woman (who is remaining anonymous) and apologized for the treatment she was receiving. She asked if the woman planned on filing a complaint, but was told that although the abused woman as livid, “I really don’t want to cause a scene.” Amber than asked if she would allow Amber herself to make a complaint which the woman agreed to.
Marching up to the supervisor (who refused to identify more than his first name, John), Amber said, “How dare you treat people this way! Would you make any other woman take off her makeup to get her licensed removed?” The supervisor coldly responded that “That is not a real woman, it’s a man.”
These are the common and everyday persecutions and discriminations that our transgender brothers and sisters face on a daily basis. Remember it wasn’t too long ago that Amber Yust in California was sent a threatening letter by a DMV employee using her personal information.
Local Transgender Advocacy group “Tea Of Utah” tells us that as a whole, the Salt Lake DMV leadership has been very open to trainings on gender identity issues. But apparently the Fairpark location hasn’t gotten the message.
According to the Utah DMV website, the phone number for that location is as listed below. Do not let this story pass! And I want to give an enormous thank you to Amber Anderton, a citizen who stood up for what is right, and faced down the tyranny and bigotry of these DMV workers and made herself a hero.
Utah Drivers License Division
1-800-222-0038 or 801-965-4437
Utah Fairpark DMV
"Eric, trying to have this (civil rights) conversation with you is ultimately like trying to teach a pig to dance, it just annoys the pig. So Eric, sorry to annoy you."
-Paul Mero, The Sutherland Institute.
@ Michi Eyre >If she has “transitioned”, get a letter from a physician and immediately apply for a US Passport. Most DMVs will take a passport in lieu of a birth certificate for the “citizenship document” requirement.
Every state is different. I had my letter, had my name changed, had my new passport with my new gender identifier, was living full time as a woman and yet the great state of Texas would not issue me a driver’s license with a new gender without a court order saying it was OK to change my gender. I spent the $300 to get the order because this was not one office being arbitrary in their decision-making, it’s official TxDOT policy. In fact, the folks in the driver’s license office were models of discretion, support and sympathy when we discussed it all. Unlike the assholes in this story.
BTW, if someone moves into Texas or is otherwise applying for a driver’s license here for the first time, a passport IS a good document to use in verifying identity (and gender). But if you already have a Texas DL, it’s NOT a good document to use to CHANGE your identity. That’s only possible with a court order for both name and gender.
Such is human tragedy, that to understand another we ourselves must first shed our own guilt and fear. Those at the DMV office did a despicable act of cruelty just as some kids, out of their own fears and inferiority, pray on week and helpless. I am sure that after all was over and done, on the way back home, those who dealt such a blow to this transwomans psyche did have a moment of reflection realizing the evil in their ways.
I sent my love to the wronged woman and Amber, for being such a wonderful human being, who gives us hope of tolerance and future full of truth and love for one another. Love, Alexia.
It is not the DMV it is the Driver License Division.
In a case like this, nothing less than the termination of those three employees will do; the supervisor and his two cronies, all of them. They violated their employment contract to provide service to all residents. They violated that woman’s civil rights under the ‘fair and equal’ clause. They committed a form of assault under color of authority by publicly humiliating her and forcing her to remove her makeup. In short, they were all three very bad boys and as such, should be treated harshly. Not a demotion, not a suspension, not a written warning. Termination. I say we should stand our ground on this and demand it, in person if necessary. An arbitrator will try to reinstate them. Show up to the hearing (time and date should be posted) and protest that as well.
The only drawback here is that the legal eagles will make a tidy sum off this; both sides. (sigh) Such is life in a cash and carry world. But that woman has such a wonderfully airtight case for a discrimination lawsuit. I suggest we support her as best as we can and raise one hell of a stink.
Fire the entire staff end of discussion. The woman at issue should really consider lawsuit for discrimination. The workers won’t be laughing and snickering when their butts are without a job.
I have a Transgender son. He is one of the most wonderful loving people in the world. He has taken more abuse from society than any other mis-understood group I have seen. I am normally very docile and non-violent in situations, but there have been times that I have come close to blows with others watching how they have treated him. He also got similar treatment at the DMV, but it was a different situation caused by the same insensitivity by a worker at the DMV.
I would have not only been totally humiliated by having my make-up taken off like that in public, but on top of that having it pointed out so loudly and being laughed at for being a Trans-person. I would love to talk to these comedians. And maybe they can be the ones ashamed of themselves for being viscous and revolting.
-Lisa
I emailed a complaint and this is the reply that I received;
The Fairpark office that the article is referring to is a Driver’s License office, not a DMV office. You need to contact the Driver License Division. Their phone number is 1-800-222-0038 or 801-965-4437. Or you can check their website http://www.publicsafety.utah.gov/dld to see if they have an email contact.
In the state of Utah the Driver’s License Division and DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) are separate agencies.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department for further assistance Monday – Thursday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 801-297-7780 or 1-800-368-8824.
Thank you,
Monica
Division of Motor Vehicles
Utah State Tax Commission
I was contacted by the person in question. This is all the thanks I need.
“hey I just want to thank you for what you did at the DMV for me for them discriminating against me and would like to know the steps you took to file the complaint and would like to know if you can help me get it across that I am still human and would like my voice to be heard if you can help I would really appreciate it thank you so much for everything”
I am encouraging her to go public. She was with a friend too. The three of us cannot be wrong.
Thank you Eric for posting this excellent article about the incident. My heart goes out to the woman who had to endure what many of us in the trans community fear. This treatment is unacceptable. Amber is a local hero for not only her actions at the DMV as an eye witness but also for documenting what happened.
I also want to thank Christopher and Teinamarrie for addressing this with the DMV leadership. What was the outcome of your discussion with them (or have you been able to meet with them yet)? Please let us know. Thanks!
Maureen and anyone else who knows of someone who has to go through this at the DMV: I will be glad to go with you. I am trans and went through this before the DMV rules went into effect. I would love to be there just in case you are being mistreated. I think perhaps it is time to start showing up in numbers! Perhaps not to make s scene UNLESS they start causing trouble.
The way to put a stop to this is to educate and raise awareness. This is not the role of one person or one organization. It is a role which belongs to each one of us. We CAN make a difference… by being out where and when it matters… by taking a stand for the rights and dignity of one another… and by not being silent when those around us, no matter who they are, are being mistreated.
Yes: This story is disgusting, the DMV’s actions inexcusable… and the fact that this happens at all let alone to more than one person is deplorable. But the heroism and sense of community extended by Amber and everyone who has called or written the DMV does give me hope that this behavior will no longer be tolerated by US. We will not wait idly by while our sisters and brothers are being abused.
I am not in favor of marching on the DMV but I AM in favor of going to the DMV to support each other when we have to get our license renewed or have to change our name & gender marker. Hey: something about trans folks in packs should at least make them nervous eh?
May I first start out by saying, how deeply moved I am by how much ‘fire’ Amber was able to create from this incident. I was there that day, the day that my sister was humiliated. I watched through red furry, in amazement as Amber fired down the huge man,who was mocking my sister at any cheap opportunity. I was so thankful that Regina and myself were not the only ones who were acknowledging this prejudice. John, was so ready to define what my sister is, with cheap words and judging looks. Debbie, his superior fed us a b.s. line that he was not laughing at her, but rather at an itch he had on his buttocks, to which a certain unfit security guard tried to scratch. Bottom line is the public isn’t as stupid and easily swayed as this crew thought. Amber, you are a hero to us. My sister is an amazing, beautiful and STRONG woman. I am so proud of her, and I am so proud to know that she isn’t alone in this struggle. I e-mailed a few local politicians, and of course they’re hasn’t been a response. But Amber, within a few days has not only made my sister’s injustice known to a wider public, but she does so with such vigor and dedication. I truly am humbled by the passion to which she accompanies her convictions and I am left standing in awe to the power of a woman. Please, pass it on, and stand up for the civil and social injustices that still plague our society, you never know what type of firecracker may be watching on the sidelines.
[...] Transgender Woman Mocked At Utah DMV, Forced To Scrub Off Makeup [...]
Hey, Jiff? You’re wrong!
Your photo is meant to match your appearance. That’s so that law-enforcement officers can use it to identify you when they see you. Her ID is now less useful because the picture looks less like her. Even from a context-free logistical standpoint, this is really stupid.
But in context…this isn’t just stupid. I don’t think that this was only meant to humiliate her. I think it was meant to put her in danger. Now, her Driver’s License is more likely to out her as MAAB. That means she’s more likely to be hurt and humiliated.
NO one would get away with that if it were me! That kind of behavior goes against our fundamental rights as citizens! Our freedoms!! If a supervisor tried that with me, I most certainly would demand to see the person at the top immediately! I would NOT wash off my makeup or anything else they ordered me to do! I would stand up for myself, and then, I would contact all my friends who have the same issues and start protesting right there at the DMV!! We need more people to protest in this town! How DARE ANYONE judge another!! I’m extremely radical when it comes to these kinds of issues. (I was probably burned at the stake in a past life, too.)
6 years ago, I went to a BMV in Indiana to change the name and gender on my driver’s license. I was in compliance with state law and experienced little difficulty in doing so, but the woman handling my paperwork was married to a former co-employee. Before I left the BMV, everyone on the floor of that factory knew what I had changed my name to, and I’m sure there were snickers all around. Of course, I didn’t want to end up on the local 6 o’clock news, so I left with my ID and marked it down as the price we pay. Most of us do that when encountering such discrimination and ridicule. It was cheap considering I left that job, and a 17 year career for much the same reason. My wife, employed at a neighboring factory, endured abuse for years because of this one incident. Thank you Amber, for doing what we won’t. I’m sorry, but the price is high enough as it is.
I am embarrassed for all of you. You are ranting and raving about an incident that you know nothing about. You have no idea what the law requires. Maybe, you should be working to change the regulations if you don’t like them. Instead, you take one person’s word as gospel. I will give her the benefit of the doubt that she is telling what she interpreted the situation to be. However, if you weren’t there you shouldn’t judge. There are required documents that have to be provided in order to change gender on an ID. Did the person in question have them? Also, if I were to pretend to be a woman and do my face up with makeup and go to get an ID should I be allowed to do so? Because, after all, I claim to be a woman even though every official document I own states otherwise. How would the DLD know whether I was really transgender or if I’m just messing with them. After all an ID pretty cheap and I could get alot of laughs from my friends when I show them. My point is, without the proper documents you can’t just go changing your gender anymore than you can just randomly change your name. It is allowed in both cases with the proper legal documnets. Grow up people….you’re making us all look like idiots.
Way to go Amber! Thank you for standing up for the equality of human being’s. One of the best quotes I’ve heard in a long time is – There is but one race, and that is the human race.
And to this woman, you are beautiful! I can empathize with the fear and pressure you felt, making you not want to file a complaint. I am so sorry this happened to you, and wish I could give you a hug! Forget those ignorant, closed-minded people. There are complete strangers out there who are already standing by your side.
I call upon all women to protest the Fair Park Office. Go in to get a new license, which requires a new picture, and wear heavy makeup when you do. If there are other women who would like to join me, please let me know! I will check back to see if anyone responds, and provide my contact info then. The more we can have show up at once the more power we can show them we have.
[...] Transgender Woman Mocked At Utah DMV, Forced To Scrub Off Makeup [...]
I’m the transgender female that was discriminated against at the local DMV and all your guy’s support is bringing tears to my eyes I will be on the channel 4 news tonight if you guys want to know how I felt that day and I really dont know how to thank you all especially Amber Anderton who has made it possible for the world to know how we trans women are treated and how hard it is to go places without the immature ignorant arrogant close minded bigots that think that we dont got no emotions well Im doing what I can to go thur the proper steps and hoops to get things moving and done with the people involved.
I think Utah officials were correct in doing this, although they did in a very unprofessional manner. In this post-9/11 state of war, new laws such as REAL ID Act require accurate recording of individual identity documents. It is also a concern to anyone who is worried about identity theft.
For good or bad, most Americans consider transgender as somewhat of deception, if not merely a harmless self-delusion. It would be a matter of time before it will be outlawed: just wait until a few Islamic jihadists dressed like women and hiding explosives inside their dresses and hijabs. In most European nations transgenders must receive government permission before commencing transvestism. They have a national database of all transgenders approved for medical reasons.
Until Utah comes up with a way to catalog all transgenders and provide for special drivers licenses that are clearly distinct from others (and clearly labeled something like “NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION” or “NOT FOR FEDERAL USE”) they need to set aside their sexuality for the sake of National Security.
[...] this under “Why allowing transgender people to get the right birth certificate is important”: Local resident Amber Anderton watched a horrifying scene play out in front of her this past [...]
News of this bigotry has made it all the way to Mexico. I expect better of a State that is supposed to be about loving one another and treating everyone as children of God. Shame.
[...] Transgender Woman Mocked At Utah DMV, Forced To Scrub Off Makeup [...]
Regina, I saw that they are claiming you didn’t address your gender marker to reflect female and therefore they made you wash your makeup off. Is this true? Is this something you should have done prior to renewing your license?
The root of the matter is that the LDS church who controls Utah and to a great extent Las Vegas, considers all of us ABOMINATIONS. Their membership (maybe not all) feel justified in any hatred toward any of us.
LDS members not only ordered me fired for being TG from a job I held for 20yrs with “perfect” employee evaluations. Then they had infiltrated the federal EEOC so that the third level up stopped my action against the City, who had employed the person and the city attorney even tried to come up with fabrications to justify my firing.
If you are TS going into Utah is dangerous.
How do these people still have jobs.
Amy @64
I think you might want to do some research. You might want to start here:
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/143160.pdf
[...] whole department of Salt Lake City’s DMV gathered to mock and abuse a transwoman trying to renew her license - one woman stood up for [...]
I live in the UK but picked this up on a TS website. It is sad to think that any individual of any kind can be treated this way in what is supposed to be a democratic society. I echo the sentiments I have read here, much respect to Amber for what she dd, but how sad that others just sat and did nothing. People have no right to treat other people this way. I have recently come out have no idea how the future will turn out, but I am proud of who I am. I hope the woman involved finds the courage to complain and realises that she is worth it. Don’t let the bullies win.
Let’s make one thing clear, my sister didn’t go into Driver License Division trying to get an ID with an updated gender, she simply was trying to get an ID. The problem came when John decided to laugh and mock my sister along with voicing his personal opinion in a venue that offers public services, period.
OMG….I am sooooo happy that somebody spoke up. There is soooo much racism at that particular Driver License office (Fairpark) that begins with the Supervisor Debbie Clark and the Assistant Supervisor John Holt! Racist! Racist! Racist!…..There have been numerous complaints by customers and employees who have transferred out of that particular office and employees who have been fired because of Debbie and John and these complaints were reviewed and heard by the “Top Guns” of the Driver License Division, like the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner Nannette and still, Debbie and John remain in their positions and the employees who have complained were fired and the customers complaints were placed in the recycle bin. If KSL news or any newspaper put the word out for ex-employees who had something to say about Debbie and John, I guarantee you they will get a truckload……The Fairpark office represents the Department of Public Safety because the Commissioner and Nannette have turned a blind eye to all the legit complaints they have received about Debbie and John.
Apenah,
It sounds like you are a disgruntled employee that got called out for not doing their job. If you would spend more time being a productive employee and less time blaming other people for your in ability to be a functioning member of society. The many times I have been into the DLD I have always been met with nothing more than professional people helping me. It sounds like to me you are the kind of person that waits for a hand out and does nothing to earn it. The employees of the DLD are following the letter of law. If you have a problem with the law maybe you should familiarize yourself with how things are done. Your drivers license is a state document and not a platform for a glamor photo. So if you go to jail and they make you wash your face and clear up all the make up for your mug shot, you will say they are racist too. The best thing you could for our society is get educated or just go away. As a community we do not people like you calling foul every time someone is doing their job.
This is the direct number to the Motor Ave. Location 801-535-2615. I called voiced my opinion and they said are you finished because I have no comment. I think we should keep them busy answering the phone!
What happened at the DMV was an exercise in pure ignorance… hatred and bigotry thrown in for good measure, both often signs of self doubt.
I love that Mary Lou chimes in to defend the offenders. Hmmm… sounds to me like she may be equally ignorant, whether a DMV employee or not. Wake up, Mary Lou! Humiliation is NOT a part of anyone’s job description. If make-up needs to be removed from one human’s face, it needs to be removed from EVERY human’s face. When’s the last time you had to take your’s off for your driver’s lisence photo?
Jiff, #43:
As others have already covered, the purpose of an ID is to identify you. Not only was your argument condescending (e.g. “Your photo isn’t for you and your friends to admire.”) – thereby dropping some of its validity – but it was also highly illogical. The way this woman presented is likely the way she presents the vast majority of the time, thereby allowing the best chance of identification.
BJ, #60:
There were witnesses there for the situation. Additionally, is “don’t judge” something you insist upon for every situation in which people are not present? Your statement simply does not make sense, and hints at prejudice for the event in particular.
Furthermore, you use mimicry of a minority as a means to justify mistreatment of that minority. Since when do the misdemeanors of a few ill-willing justify the oppression of the innocent? How many people do you genuinely think are going to want to have their IDs rendered a useless parlor trick? When it comes to documentation, the vast majority of people are far more sensible than that. I believe the only growing to be done here belongs to you; if you would like to contribute to the topic, please educate yourself about it a bit more. Your opinion crosses as truly naive, and your argument is nothing more than a strawman fallacy.
Amy, #64:
“For good or bad, most Americans consider transgender as somewhat of deception, if not merely a harmless self-delusion.” – this trend is quickly abating, and is mostly a remnant of older generations and disgruntled and uneducated youth; time in this is limited. Your post essentially suggests the same as BJ’s: oppressing a minority for what might color a single grain of sand on an entire beach, except your example is far more outrageous and is ever-more the strawman fallacy.
Furthermore, gender identity and sexuality are mutually exclusive. It is an incredibly basic concept to understand. I think it is you who needs to set aside your paranoia for the sake of human rights.