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 […]
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).
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 […]
Who you’ll meet in prison, according to a PAC member
What is it really like inside of a male prison? Synthia breaks down the types of people she has observed while incarcerated, and shares her harrowing experiences as a trans woman who continuously finds the strength to survive in a such a deeply hostile environment. “Our Letter,” by Synthia. It’s difficult to imagine the […]
CeCe is FREE! And a new letter from inside
CeCe McDonald’s release this week is great news; one less trans woman who is forced to survive within the toxic confines of a hostile prison-industrial complex is reason enough to celebrate. Add to that both the media attention drawn to her early release by way of SRLP-supporter Laverne Cox’s celebrity accompaniment, and the documentary Cox […]
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 […]
Jakaelynn’s “Reverse Gestation,” and a poem
Heartfelt and passionate, these letters from Jakaelynn demonstrate her enormous capacity to remain a strong, transitioning trans woman while locked up (with a little help from her friends, and SRLP). “Reverse Gestation and the pains of a transgendered bitch!” by Jakaelynn Rae Shakely, Aka: “Pheanoix”. For twenty-five years I’ve lived what I now call “reverse […]
“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 […]
Out of the Hell-Hole, into the Calming Storm – Letter from a former PAC Member
“Out of the Hell-Hole into the Calming Storm,” by Grace DeTrevarah. Hey Family: It’s me again. Grace…I would like to first say that’s it’s so refreshing to be Out of Corrections and into the “World” where being a Transgender was the focus of my movement. It continues to be so fitting to be out of […]
Coming Home… It’s Almost Surreal! – Letter from a former PAC Member
“Coming Home… It’s Almost Surreal!” by Grace DeTrevarah. Hey Family… My name is Grace. I have been home for a short while. I was incarcerated in Wallkill, Fishkill and other facilities of Medium status. Being a Black Transgender woman in a Male facility with a feminine and womanly appearance was problematic from intake at Downstate […]