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This is very upsetting for any of us crossing the border.
My story is somewhat "unique" in that, I'm a transman, with "F" on my canadian passport.
Queer people, let alone gender-ambiguous people are almost always stopped at the border. Certainly, that's been the case with me. I've been flying around the states a few times since my 2 month visit here in California. The odd thing is, going through security in airports is a *fucking* breeze for me. But the minute I'm speaking to a customs agent, I'm looked at a bit strangely, get asked a lot of questions... ie: "what do you do for a living", "how much money do you have while travelling", "Do you own your own home" etc etc. that's GOING to the US. (they assume if I go there for an extended period of time, I aim to stay there. Thank god I own my own house so they feel like I have a reason to come back!)
Coming back, I don't typically have a problem, but I'm now seriously thinking of amending what I say I do for a living. If they ask, I'll say self-employed. If they ask for more info, I'm going to say "technical consultant"... If I'm not carrying a laptop or carrying anything potentially incriminating, I'm going to ask for a lawyer.
It's one thing to be stopped at the border going into another country. I've been sent back before. But coming *in*, as a Canadian citizen? pppffft... I am going to assume I have some rights here.
No more electronics for me. My friends here in Cali have highspeed. All material will be kept on servers.
Has anyone tried creating "cover" sites... like mainstream websites to point to, when being interrogated?
I'm pissed off and scared. I come home in a few weeks, and Toronto is where I'm landing before flying to Halifax.
Tip for anyone on the east coast: AVOID TORONTO. My girlfriend says Halifax customs agents are the most laidback in the country.
Good luck Sleazy. This really really bites.
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