The Landscape of Correctional Transgender Management Policy and Incarceration Experiences of Gender-Diverse Individuals

• In Event: Roundtable: The Experience of Incarceration

Abstract

The prevalence of transgender individuals in carceral settings is increasing, yet the policies and practices used in corrections are usually cis-oriented. In many correctional settings, transgender individuals are at increased risk of experiencing harassment and violence, especially sexual victimization, and experience other issues related to their gender identity. This study aims to reduce and prevent victimization of transgender individuals during incarceration and identify other ways to improve their experience including expanding access to services and resources to overcome traumatic events and addressing areas of vulnerability in facilities. This goal will be achieved by evaluating the state policies in place and understanding the experiences of transgender individuals with lived experience. The policies will be evaluated by nesting the experiences of formerly incarcerated transgender people and recorded PREA violations within the policies of each state. Exploring which policies are most effective will show which provide the safest experiences for transgender people in prison. This can then be used to expand effective policies to other states.

Author

• Rachel Silverthorn, Florida International University