The lived experience of a male to female transgender individual incarcerated in a men's correctional institution
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Date
2020-08-15
Authors
Lee-Renee, Vandenbroeck
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Abstract
In Canada, the prevalence of transgender individuals who are incarcerated is currently unknown. However, advocates argue that they appear to be a growing population within the prison system. In order for correctional staff to better manage and support this unique and vulnerable population, they must first identify and understand what their experiences are. There is minimal quantitative and qualitative data on the experience of incarcerated transgender individuals. The purpose of this study, the lived experience of a male-to-female transgender individual incarcerated in a men’s correctional institution, is to expand this knowledge base. This study takes a qualitative approach, employing hermeneutic phenomenology as the methodological base. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven self-identified transgender persons who had previously been incarcerated. The narrative provided by the participants identified two essential themes that described the essence of their experience: crushing fear and lack of acceptance of their transgender identity. Feelings of fear included fear of sexual harassment, fear of sexual and physical assault, fear of being used a sexual pawn and, in one instance, fear of discovery of their transgender identity. In relation to lack of acceptance of their transgender identity, participants were not given the option of being placed to a women’s institution, despite openly identifying as transgender. Some participants were placed on special needs units where they were strip searched like they were men, were not identified by the proper pronoun and preferred name and were not provided with gender-appropriate clothing and grooming products. In light of the findings, this study offers suggestions for future research, and makes several policy and practice recommendations.
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Keywords
Transgender, Incarceration, Prison