Should all transgender inmates be housed with women?

[Drea]

Just saw a news report that purportedly claimed with regards to a complaint about a transgender inmate that the sheriffs department said they were simply following policy that all transgender inmates be held in the women's unit.

I never heard that as being a policy so it caught me as a surprise.

[Dev]

I want to say this is a psychologically damaging policy, especially for those of the transmasculine persuasion.  Having the "female" thing constantly thrown in their faces can't be at all good for their mental health.  At the same time, from a physical safety perspective, they'd be at great risk being housed with natal men.  I would be interested to hear from some of our FtM members on what they think of this policy.

[Drea]

Good question Dev.  In most of these discussions relating to prisons the issue as relates to FTM is often ignored

[Carolyn Marie]

Different county and state jails and prisons have different systems in place for dealing with trans prisoners/inmates.  Some work better than others.  In L.A. County, last I heard, they still had issues dealing with personal effects, such as wigs, breast forms, binders, etc.  The LAPD wanted prisoners to retain such items, but could not because the County rules superseded them (the County did all the prisoner transport).  The LAPD had dedicated housing units for both trans male and trans female prisoners, so there was a type of segregation from the general population.  But that was an easier deal, as prisoners were rarely housed for more than 3-4 days.

But regarding Drea's first post, I agree that trans men should not, as a general rule, be housed with men, or in the general population.  Too many privacy and safety issues.

Carolyn Marie