Activists call for boycott of Delta Air Lines after misgendering row

Transgender actress Tommy Dorfman, known for her role in "13 Reasons Why," sparked a heated debate on social media after accusing Delta Air Lines employees, particularly one named "Tristan," of deliberate misgendering at New York City's LaGuardia Airport. 

The video quickly went viral, showing the challenges faced by transgender individuals in public spaces. 

Dorfman, who publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2021, confronted Delta employees, including one identified as "Tristan," for repeated instances of intentional misgendering.

"When you try to advocate for yourself at @delta and are met with even more transphobia and threats of being arrested at LaGuardia. Tristan, the employee, said he was fine with me posting this," Dorfman wrote in the TikTok post, along with the video documenting part of the incident.

In the video, Dorfman questions one of the employees about intentional misgendering, to which the employee denies intent, leading to a heated exchange. The employee responds by accusing Dorfman of being condescending and threatens to have Port Authority escort her out of the building.

The incident prompted a swift response on social media with the Anti-Defamation League emphasising the importance of names and pronouns, stating that both are "personal and important" facets of identity. Misgendering, or using incorrect pronouns, can be perceived as disrespectful, harmful, and potentially unsafe.

Delta, in response to the controversy, reiterated its long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A spokesperson for the airline told Newsweek that they were aware of the video and investigating the matter, including reaching out to Dorfman for more details.

While many social media users voiced support for Dorfman, praising her for standing up against alleged transphobia, the incident also sparked conservative backlash. 

Commentator Collin Rugg shared Dorfman's TikTok video on X (formerly Twitter), where it garnered over 7 million views and more than 4,500 comments. 

Rugg applauded the Delta employee featured in the clip and criticised Dorfman for being associated with Dylan Mulvaney, a trans social media influencer whose partnership with Anheuser-Busch led to a boycott of Bud Light.