Transgender inmates : best practices and management

Abstract

Transgender individuals suffer from discrimination, often on a greater scale than the rest of the LGBTQ+ community in several areas in life and have been overwhelming targets of violence and abuse. This is heightened in prisons. Within the last couple of years, there has been a growing interest in their physical healthcare and protection however, little is mentioned with regards to their mental and psychological needs. The aim of this research based dissertation is to collect data on transgender prisoner’s experiences, identify any risks associated with their mental/physical healthcare and security in prison and possibly find aspects that may hinder access to the appropriate interventions and support systems. Most of the searches were conducted online, using web-based search tools (e.g. google chrome, google scholar and Hydi). By using the inclusion and exclusion method, certain articles and studies were not added as they were not deemed suitable for this study or they contained factual information that was already added beforehand. Different policies and practice development implications, were also highlighted in this body of research. Notably, since the term ‘transgender’ is a relatively new concept for writers and scholars alike, limited information was provided prior to the 2010. Most of the findings arising from the research stated, the many challenges that transgender persons, continue to face in correctional facilities. In prisons, many of their needs are still unidentified and unmet which in return, can produce adverse effects on their mental and psychical wellbeing. Also, certain security measures coordinated for the safety of transgender inmates, are highly unethical and inhumane. It was also well established that, not every prison is willing to adopt or implement new policies to ensure a standard quality living for transgender inmates, due to cultural differences and other contributing factors including underfunding and overcrowding. Further extensive research on this subject matter, will possibly enable policy makers to come up with better regulations for the healthcare and security of transgender prisoners. Without such research, disparities that often transgender individuals encounter in prisons, will only continue to grow.