Disturbing and Unacceptable Behavior by Louis Pasteur Hospital Security Officers

I am writing this review to express my deep disappointment and frustration with the behavior of the security officers at Louis Pasteur Hospital on Friday, 16 August 2024, at approximately 6:30 pm. What was supposed to be a routine visit turned into an extremely distressing and humiliating experience, leaving me questioning the professionalism and integrity of the staff employed by this hospital.

My friend and I entered the Louis Pasteur Hospital Building that evening and were heading toward another entrance. As we walked past the security officers, we greeted them as a common courtesy. Shockingly, our greeting was completely ignored. Instead, I noticed them talking about me even before we approached them. It was a group of three security officers—two men and one woman. The two male officers were debating about my gender, and one of them disgustingly remarked, "Ke monna selo se, ha o se bone ka potris," which translates to, "This is a man; you can tell by the calf." This comment was made in reference to me because I was wearing tights. All three of them found it amusing and laughed about it.

I chose to ignore their demeaning comments and continued walking with my friend. However, when we realized the entrance we were heading towards was closed, we had to pass by the same security officers again. Knowing the kind of behavior I had just witnessed, I decided to take out my phone and start recording. I wanted to have evidence of their unacceptable conduct to support my complaint.

I identify as a transgender woman, and it is beyond sickening that these security officers would behave in such a manner, especially in a hospital setting where people, including trans women, come seeking health services. The behavior of these security officers is not just a matter of lacking sensitivity training; it is a complete absence of basic human respect and decency. It is appalling to think that in 2024, a hospital as prominent as Louis Pasteur would employ individuals who display such blatant disrespect and ignorance.

As I recorded, one of the male officers who had been making the derogatory remarks came running towards me. It was clear that the ****phobic slurs originated from him. He even went so far as to strangle me while continuing to hurl insults. This entire incident was captured on video. After I stopped recording, he continued to swear at me.

I am utterly disappointed not only in the security company for hiring such individuals but also in Louis Pasteur Hospital for allowing them to represent their institution. Security officers are supposed to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone entering the premises, not engage in disgusting, hateful behavior targeting someone’s gender identity.

This situation raises serious concerns about the training, or lack thereof, that these officers receive. It is not just about training; it is about basic human dignity and respect. Are the Batho Pele principles and other professional guidelines not applicable to your security company? How can Louis Pasteur Hospital, a place where people come for care and support, tolerate such small-minded and disrespectful individuals in their workforce?

If it were up to me, those security officers would be fired immediately. They are clearly more interested in mocking and insulting potential clients than doing their job. Is this what their job description entails—harassing and demeaning others based on their ***uality? Why did their fellow officers not step in to correct this behavior? Instead, they found it appropriate to laugh at these vile, insensitive jokes.

In conclusion, I am appalled and hurt by this experience, and I urge Louis Pasteur Hospital and the security company to take immediate action. This behavior cannot be swept under the rug. It reflects poorly on both the security firm and the hospital, and it is an insult to every person who walks through your doors seeking care and safety.

I hope to see swift and serious consequences for those involved, and I sincerely hope that Louis Pasteur Hospital reevaluates its partnership with this security company. This type of behavior is not only unprofessional but inexcusable, and it should not be tolerated in any setting—especially not in a hospital.