A video going viral on social media shows a Delta Airlines employee refusing to back down to a transgender actor complaining about being “misgendered.”
Tommy Dorfman, a biological male actor who identifies as female, posted the interaction that reportedly occurred at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport.
Dorfman was waiting to board a flight to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, three days before Christmas.
The actor complained that a female Delta employee referred to him by male pronouns and began complaining to the male employee behind the counter.
“What about when a Delta employee misgenders you intentionally?” Dorfman asked.
“While he’s talking, you’re talking,” the Delta employee said.
” You just misgendered me again,” Dorfman commented.
“Okay,” the Delta employee replied.
“Multiple times. Both of you have,” Dorfman said.
“That wasn’t intentional but if you want to take it personal,” the Delta employee said.
“Well, she did do it twice,” Dorfman commented.
“You’re talking to me too,” the Delta employee replied.
“You said she, then you said he,” Dorfman said.
“You’re being condescending. And if you want to continue, I will have Port Authority escort you out of the building right this moment if you want to play that game with me. Would you like to continue three days before Christmas? I really don’t mind,” the Delta employee said.
“I’m good. I’ll just put this on,” Dorfman said.
WATCH:
An entitled LGBTQ pronoun warrior meets a Delta employee that ain’t fucking having it.
Based as fuck. 😎 pic.twitter.com/exFPHlDVAJ
— Amiri King (@AmiriKing) December 26, 2023
X users commented on the video:
This is how every pronoun tyrant should be handled. Politely, but firmly, make it clear their demands and their rudeness will not be tolerated. https://t.co/LJls0bRMCk
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 27, 2023
Give this man a raise. https://t.co/aCOUSsZY6C
— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) December 26, 2023
We obviously don’t know the race of the person recording, but based off the voice I will just say this:
White “queer” people are quickly finding out that black people don’t care about “affirming your gender.” That man just wants to do his job and you’re antagonizing him. https://t.co/nWcZtGaCoW
— Olivia Rondeau 🇺🇸 (@rondeaulivia) December 26, 2023
This is going too far. There only two genders. Enough of people trying to brain wash people to recalibrate their minds of given facts. And it’s not hate. It’s science. Proud of this @Delta employee for standing his ground and not caving in to privilege folks from the LGBTQ… https://t.co/kViRUDnv1n
— Vernon Jones (@VernonForGA) December 27, 2023
This is the path forward for those who remain sane. https://t.co/NpK42LlP8j
— HipHopThinker♦️ (@HipHopThinker) December 26, 2023
“Trans activists are calling for a boycott of Delta Airlines after a transgender actor complained about being ‘misgendered’ by two Delta employees at LaGuardia Airport. Tommy Dorfman, who starred in 13 Reasons Why, uploaded a video of the interaction to his TikTok,” Reduxx Magazine said.
Trans activists are calling for a boycott of Delta Airlines after a transgender actor complained about being "misgendered" by two Delta employees at LaGuardia Airport.
Tommy Dorfman, who starred in 13 Reasons Why, uploaded a video of the interaction to his TikTok. pic.twitter.com/G4nVXIsowF
— REDUXX (@ReduxxMag) December 26, 2023
Newsweek reports:
The Anti-Defamation League states that because names and pronouns are two ways people refer to themselves and others, both are “personal and important.”
“They are also key facets of our identity,” the anti-hate organization said on its website. “Therefore, calling someone by the wrong name or ‘misgendering’ them by using incorrect pronouns can feel disrespectful, harmful and potentially unsafe.
Delta’s website states that the airline has had a “long-standing commitment” to diversity, equity and inclusion.
A spokesperson for Delta told Newsweek in an email on Tuesday night that “we’re aware of the video and looking into the matter, including reaching out to our customer to understand more about what occurred.”
While multiple social media users voiced support for the actress, praising Dorfman for standing up for herself in the comments of her TikTok post, the video also ignited immense conservative backlash with numerous people giving kudos to the Delta employee featured in the clip.