Abstract
Purpose: To document the health-related experiences and needs of jail detainees who self-identified as transgender women.Methods: Semistructured interviews with 10 transgender women of color were conducted in a county jail in a mid-sized southern city between 2015 and 2016. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and later analyzed using a general inductive approach.Results: Participants experienced high levels of abuse and harassment, solitary confinement, mental health issues, and lack of access to hormone treatment. Participants described discrimination (both by other inmates—particularly while in special housing units—and correctional officers); harsh correctional conditions, which exacerbated mental health issues; and a marked lack of access to healthcare, including hormone treatments.Conclusion: Policy changes are needed to address housing and placement issues, and to increase access to healthcare for transgender women jail detainees. Training is needed for jail staff and medical care professionals in correctional settings to better understand the unique needs and experiences of transgender people.
Highlights
On August 6th 2016, Stacy, a 30-year-old transgender inmate in the Dade Correctional Institution in Florida City, was found dead in her cell.[1]
The Washington Post reported that her attorney said ‘‘Naber fought for comprehensive treatment for her gender dysphoria for months but was denied each time.’’1 Stacy was not alone in her fight for comprehensive access to healthcare as a transgender woman imprisoned in the United States
Participants reported being assigned or moved to ‘‘the second floor,’’ which is a special housing unit for people who identify as LGBT, suffer from mental illness, have committed sexual crimes, or who have disabilities
Summary
On August 6th 2016, Stacy, a 30-year-old transgender inmate in the Dade Correctional Institution in Florida City, was found dead in her cell.[1]. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement declined to comment on Stacy’s mental health and medical history, her family stated that she had committed suicide. Epidemiological data detailing the prevalence of imprisonment among transgender and gender nonconforming individuals are sparse, data suggest a much higher rate of imprisonment for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.[5] One in six transgender individuals have been incarcerated at some point in their lives.[7] For black transgender people, the rates of incarceration are even higher[7]; some estimates indicate that nearly half (47%) have been incarcerated at some point.[8]
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