Mere days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, a well-known advocate for the trans community is making the trip to Seattle, and so far, it hasn’t been a smooth ride.

Hickey was scheduled to fly to Seattle for a previously-booked engagement.

Gemma Hickey says they were asked more questions than usual while trying to go through customs in Toronto, and then had some issues boarding the flight.

Hickey can’t say whether the difficulties they encountered had anything to do how they present, because they look “quite masculine”, and doesn’t match the X on their ID.

Hickey says the airline was very apologetic, and put them up in a hotel for the night.

Hickey does note, however, that emotions at the airport were high.

They say that after doing this kind of work for decades they have built a “thick skin,” but “the only thing that caused me some distress prior to travel, was my mother dropping me off at the airport and crying and begging me not to go.” A woman behind the counter at the airport recognized Hickey, and gave them a hug and said ‘thank you’ because their child is trans.

Hickey hasn’t made it to Seattle yet, and is not sure what will happen once they get there, but if they don’t get in, then they will come back and try again.

Hickey says they have notified the embassy and federal government officials in the United States that they are travelling,