AN INVESTIGATION OF FORMERLY INCARCERATED TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to see if policies protecting incarcerated transgender, nonbinary, intersex and gender nonconforming individuals are being implemented, and if it is being done so in an equitable way. To research this topic, a survey was sent out to these individuals, which asked about topics such as their access to appropriate housing, protection from crossgender strip searches, access to hormones, access to gendered items, housing, and placement in solitary confinement. The research aimed to find any correlation between these and demographics such as gender identity, race, and income. Participants from both supposedly progressive jurisdictions and more conservative jurisdictions took the survey. While the survey found some demographic groups did have a higher chance of receiving transphobic mistreatment while incarcerated, it also found that these correlations did not always benefit privileged demographics. However, placement in solitary confinement was less likely for less privileged demographics. The report suggests more forcefully implementing existing policy for future change, and enacting more changes to protect this vulnerable population.