By Shriya Kali Chittapuram
The Vera Institute of Justice ( Vera ) and Black and Pink National conducted a comprehensive survey of transgender people currently incarcerated in state prisons between 2019 and 2022.
280 members ‘ insights were used to illuminate the difficulties facing this group of people who are behind bars in Vera’s study.
The job stemmed from Black and Pink National’s location 2015 review,” Coming Out of Concrete Closets”, which focused on more than one thousand LGBTQ+ ( lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer/questioning ) persons in prison, according to the statement.
However, this most recent survey particularly examined transgender people’s unique experiences in prison. Participants in the survey, many of whom were transgender women ( 73 percent ), shared candidly about their circumstances, highlighting various issues such as housing preferences, access to healthcare, and interactions with prison staff, the report noted.
The study, conducted mainly through regular mail according to COVID- 19 restrictions on in- man access, captured the voices of those immediately affected by the system, per the report.
Additionally, The Vera Report noted that interviewees ‘ concerns about building regulations that were clear and versatile were important. While 65 percent of those in men’s features expressed a wish to move to women’s facilities, 35 percent preferred being, according to the document.
Also, the report also states that 21 percent had lived in LGBTQ+ units, with 78 percent favoring trans- certain units, underscoring the importance of selection and security in housing decisions.
According to the Vera Report, transgender people also experienced a lot of difficulties in interactions with staff members, with 72 % of them claiming prison staff did not support their success. 28 percent of respondents reported verbal discrimination against employees, and three percent experienced physical harm.
The Vera Institute survey respondents made clear policy recommendations in six important areas in response to these findings. According to the report, these areas emphasized the value of policies created with the input of transgender community advocates and prisoners. The report also noted the transgender people’s diverse needs while observing how flexible the policies were in their implementation.
Drawing directly from participants ‘ responses, the Vera report outlined six policy areas for improvement.
First, the report highlights housing with tailor options, including transgender- specific units and transfer opportunities.
Second, the report acknowledges uplifting relationships, including those whose friendships and partnerships with prisons and other institutions have been acknowledged.
Third, the report addresses gender-affirming practices, including acceptable physical appearance across locations and respect for personal names and pronouns.
Fourth, the report emphasizes Health Care including increased access to gender- affirming care, clearer eligibility criteria, and trained professionals.
Fifth, the report makes note of the Prison Raped Elimination Act ( PRA ), which aims to improve its implementation and protect transgender people from sexual assault and retaliation.
Finally, the report suggested that staff training and accountability should be improved in order to replace staff training with harsh penalties for misconduct and discrimination.
In the conclusion of the Vera report, a call for policy adjustments that take into account transgender prisoners and advocates was made, highlighting the flexibility to address diverse needs and highlighting the urgent need for” smart reforms to create safer, more supportive environments for incarcerated transgender people.”
The Vera Institute said the report was intended to inform policymakers and those working with transgender people about recent developments in incarceration and decarceration. It also calls for improvements in correctional policy and procedures to better support transgender people in the U.S. prison system, thereby fostering a more comprehensive national discussion on incarceration and decarceration.
The Vera Institute and Black and Pink National express deep gratitude to the detained individuals who responded to our survey, providing thoughtful insights into their frequently heartfelt andtraumatic experiences, according to the report.
