Arrest of black transgender woman #MeaganTaylor sparks profiling concerns

The arrest of a black transgender woman in the US state of Iowa has caused many to cry foul, alleging racial and gender profiling. Meagan Taylor and a transgender friend were staying at the Drury Inn in Des Moines when they noticed hotel workers acting suspiciously, the Des Moines Register reported. Police came after hotel staff reported “two males dressed as females” and concerns over “possible prostitution activity”. Taylor gave police a fake name, but officers made no note of prostitution at the hotel. 

Police discovered prescription medication Taylor was using for hormone therapy in an unmarked bottle. Officers also found Taylor had an outstanding probation violation in Illinois from a credit card fraud conviction when she was 17. Though Taylor says she served her time, she hadn’t paid $500 in outstanding fines. 

Police arrested Taylor for “malicious prosecution” and for having prescription drugs without having her prescription on her. Upon being brought into custody, Taylor was patted down by a female police officer on her top half and a male officer on the bottom. Taylor requested “protective custody”, and was held by herself in the medical unit of the local jail.

News of Taylor’s jailing angered Twitter users, who say she was profiled because of her race and gender identity.