In the News: Percy Cummings Story is Bunk, But These Are Not

A satirical "news" story about a gay interior designer, Percy Cummings, who ejaculated on a TSA official after being groped in the groin during a security check due to his genital piercings setting off alarm bells, is bogus. I saw the tongue-in-cheek article a few weeks ago, but now the headline is popping up everywhere as if it's a real story. Well, it's not. But I think the reason so many people are taking it seriously is because it raises a legitimate concern and, sadly, runs a striking parallel to some other TSA horror stories that actually did happen. Recently, a travel blog writer put together the Top 10 Outrageous Airport Security Incidents and lists each one in gloriously horrifying detail, including one woman who was forced to remove her nipple piercings with a pair of dirty pliers while being watched by TSA security officials.

Airport security screenings are supposed to be for our safety and peace-of-mind, and instead they're causing more anxiety than the threat of terrorism itself. Piercings are going to continue being an obstacle for travelers, especially if they're private piercings not meant for public viewing. If you're traveling and have any piercings you prefer to keep to yourself, you're better off removing them and then replacing them after your flight.

Have you been through the new airport security screenings with piercings, and have they caused you any problems? Comment below with your stories!

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