Trans People's Experiences and Perceptions of Police

• In Event: Addressing Legal Issues and Concerns for LGBTQ+ Populations

Abstract

This research examines the perceptions and experiences of police by the transgender community through the lens of intersectionality, procedural justice theory and legitimacy theory. Trans people often hesitate reporting their crimes to police, or avoid reporting altogether, over fears that police will not take their claims seriously, arrest them, face wrongful accusations and unwanted sexual advances (Gauthier et. Al., 2021; Hodge & Sexton, 2020). Trans people of color are less likely to report, and black trans people are the least likely of all people of color to report (Lee & Santiago, 2022). A total of 14 participants were interviewed through one-on-one interviews and focus groups. Overall findings show that participants have no trust in police, nor believe they are a legitimate institution. Police procedural justice had no impact on feelings of police legitimacy, even during positive interactions with police. Participant perceptions and feelings towards police were determined by the history of policing, personal experiences and experiences from the broader trans community. Participants feel abolishing or defunding the police are the only solutions to ending police violence against trans people.

Author

• Victoria Ginsley, Ontario Tech University