Warning: The following letter includes topics of sexual mistreatment or abuse. If you may be triggered by these topics, proceed with caution. In her last letter, Lennea shared with us an incident of sexual harassment and her attempts at seeking basic protective measures, and the resulting injustice she received at the hands of the prison […]
Archive | SRLP Prisoner Advisory Committee
We believe that storytelling is a revolutionary act…
so, we created this space to share the activities and stories of our Prisoner Advisory Committee (PAC).
How difficult (or unsafe) can it be to work out or to buy lotion in prison?
In a letter following her introduction posted a few weeks ago, Lennea gives us a a few updates from this past March. Topics include the nuances of obtaining transition-related materials and procedures in prison, and her difficulties with the administration around issues of sexual harassment and alleged sexual conduct. Warning: The following letter includes topics […]
New prison mail: it takes courage to say “hello” to the voice that is you
Introduction to Lennea Elizabeth Stevens. Lennea plans to submit regularly to the PAC blog, to document and share her experiences as an incarcerated trans woman. In her first post, Lennea also shares some of her experience and thoughts on beginning to discover and come to terms with her inner voice. “Transitioning the Hard Way: […]
New prison mail: Being trans is a journey, but not a choice!
Making the leap to affirm our genders can be challenging for anyone in this predominantly heteronormative and cissexist society. Incarcerated trans woman Jakaelynn tells us why doing so behind bars is especially trying, and likens the experience of transition to Alice’s fabled journey down the rabbit hole. Warning: The following letter mentions topics like […]
What is life like in prison? The unsimple answer. (Part 4)
In what may be the most extensive entry ever submitted to our blog, Jessica – an incarcerated trans woman – attempts to answer the question, “What is life like in prison?” She shares with us an entry that is chock-full of thoughts and stories, drawing from decades of personal experience. This is the fourth part […]
What is life like in prison? The unsimple answer. (Part 3)
In what may be the most extensive entry ever submitted to our blog, Jessica – an incarcerated trans woman – attempts to answer the question, “What is life like in prison?” She shares with us an entry that is chock-full of thoughts and stories, drawing from decades of personal experience. This is the third part […]
What is life like in prison? The unsimple answer. (Part 2)
In what may be the most extensive entry ever submitted to our blog, Jessica – an incarcerated trans woman – attempts to answer the question, “What is life like in prison?” She shares with us an entry that is chock-full of thoughts and stories, drawing from decades of personal experience. This is the second part […]
What is life like in prison? The unsimple answer. (Part 1)
In what may be the most extensive entry ever submitted to our blog, Jessica – an incarcerated trans woman – attempts to answer the question, “What is life like in prison?” She shares with us an entry that is chock-full of thoughts and stories, drawing from decades of personal experience. This is the first part […]
Learn about the gay gang that supports its members behind bars
How does someone survive in a “male” prison when their mannerisms and identity differ from the hyper-masculine norm? One incarcerated member of SRLP gives us the scoop on a supportive “gang” that keeps watch over the safety of its members, who each identify outside of their prison’s macho majority. Warning: The following letter […]
Shakespeare as a controversial force of good behind bars
While serving a life sentence, trans woman of color (and first-time blogger) Dana “Gee” Gibson is always looking for ways to stay positive, and recently took up playwriting as an outlet for creativity and activism after a controversial prison-production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” sparked her interest in the craft. “Shakespeare Under Lock and Key,” by […]