Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a proposed rule regarding their use of nude body scanners in airports. The proposed rule is in response to a 2011 D.C. Circuit Court ruling that TSA violated the law by introducing the scanners in 2008 without rulemaking. The proposed rule consists of just two sentences, stating that TSA has authority to implement "screening technology used to detect concealed anomalies without requiring physical contact."

LGBT people, and especially transgender individuals, often face heightened airport security because of TSA's invasive use of whole body scanners and "enhanced" pat-downs. And this new rule will do nothing to protect passengers' privacy and dignity. The screening methods used can be invasive of everyone's privacy and are of particular concern to transgender people because of their potential to "out" people in unsafe ways, potentially leading to harassment and discrimination.

Right now, TSA is accepting comments on this proposed rule. As LGBT organizations and individuals, we have a responsibility to weigh in on these security procedures. It's critical that we urge TSA to consider the impact of body scanners and pat-downs on passenger privacy.

To respond as an LGBT organization, click here to download a letter developed by our friends at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). Complete the letter with your information and submit it online at regulations.gov.

TSA will also accept comment from individuals. Encourage your members and supporters to contact TSA through this easy-to-use tool from NCTE.

Don't delay -- comments are due by Monday, June 24. With enough feedback, we can move TSA to roll back their intrusive screening methods or at least to strengthen existing passenger protections and staff training.