Double imprisonment : the trans experience in prison : issues and policy

Abstract

The criminal justice system disproportionately affects transgender individuals, who face heightened risks of violence, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare within prisons. This paper investigates the unique challenges transgender prisoners encounter, emphasizing the intersectionality of their experiences with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, While global data on transgender incarceration rates is limited, studies reveal a higher prevalence of sexual assault and other forms of victimization among transgender inmates compared to the general prison population. The paper aims to analyze these issues and propose reforms, using Malta as a case study for potential solutions. Theoretical frameworks like minority stress theory and intersectionality are employed to understand the complex social and psychological dimensions of transgender prisoners' experiences. Best practice examples related to placement with individuals with the same identity orientation, health access to hormone therapy, addressing trauma – both past and present, training of staff and need research are discussed.