Through the powerful medium of poetry, incarcerated transgender woman Jakaelynn shares feelings that many trans people can relate to, and also offers more universal advice about breaking a vicious cycle of unhealthy relationships. Jakaelynn is a member of SRLP’s Prison Advisory Committee (PAC), which joins trans, intersex, gender non-conforming people and allies who are currently […]
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).
A max-security prison in NY lives up to its (bad) reputation, says PAC
Legends of “corruption, sex, [and] blatant theft” that surround NYC’s maximum security prison, Attica Correctional Facility, are confirmed by PAC Member Robert Cepeda during a temporary stay at the facility. This chilling account exposes the truth behind the rumors about ever-present conditions, which – in 1971 – may have led to the prison’s notorious […]
Songwriting behind bars – PAC member Jakaelynn shares her talent!
In a welcome departure from the usual posts on this blog, PAC member Jakaelynn Rae Shakely shares the lyrics from one of her many amazing songs, and it uniquely captures the turmoil and struggles we too often hear from our PAC members and other incarcerated trans women. << Previous entry | Return to blog […]
Failures of the criminal punishment system from a prisoner’s perspective
An incarcerated, transgender member of our Prisoner Advisory Committee thoroughly explains how the criminal punishment system – and other such institutions – fail to provide a fair and healthy environment for people to live in. << Previous entry | Return to blog | Next entry >> Warning: The following letter mentions topics such […]
Prison officials stop at nothing to separate lovers in PAC
On Monday, Prince generally outlined the unsettling discrimination he faces as a gay male in prison. In this letter, he shares some specific incidents involving the mistreatment of himself and a lover by not only inmates, but also prison officials. “A Story… About Me Inside Prisons,” by Prince. Me and my lover – her name […]
Prison is unsafe for LGBT people – Testimony from a PAC Member
Prince, who identifies as a gay male, introduces himself and reminds us that incarcerated people who do not conform to traditional ideas about gender and sexuality face a particularly high risk of violence and discrimination. “Prince’s Introduction,” by Prince. I’m writing to place my PAC Blog dealing with being gay […]
Overcoming a life of hardship – One PAC Member’s story
The hardships faced by Samantha – a currently incarcerated transgender woman – began long before she was accused of any crimes. Her story demonstrates how much she has overcome to blossom as the woman we know today. “To: The Sylvia Rivera Law Project,” by Ms. Samantha Sassy Horning. Please take note that this is […]
Poetry from PAC – “Dear Mama”
Through poetry, PAC Member Lady Doll responds to familial reactions to her coming out as trans. “Dear Mama,” by Lady Doll. Why punish me for your confusion? Why am I a faggot? Because you can’t have it? Why beat me, like it’s going to change me? Wake up! Because you can’t change me […]
“Prison, A World of its Own” – MyAsia recounts her experiences
When you’re a trans woman incarcerated in a men’s facility, just being left alone can seem nearly impossible. MyAsia aka “Lady Doll” tells us how things work inside, and that positive moments can still occur. “Prison, A World of its Own,” by MyAsia Kim’Bella London. If it’s one thing I hate, it’s PRISON! I’m MyAsia […]
Correctional Officers Live by their Own Rules, Says One PAC Member
What happens when C.O.’s don’t want to do their jobs? PAC Member S. Davidson chronicled the incident that contributed to his proposal of an internal, “entity of oversight” which monitors the behaviors of guards and officials. “A Blatant Malfeasance,” by S. Davidson. On January 10th, 2013, at or around 12:45 pm, while at Five Points […]