The identification of the transgender population is a growing concern for those in the correctional system. New policies, such as those under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, are being implemented and will certainly alter procedures directly relating to the transgender population.
This article is an attempt to help those who work in corrections to get a better understanding of what the word “transgender” means, and thus a better understanding of how to both handle and help these inmates.
Terminology
First, we need a basic understanding of the terminology. “Transgender” is not the same as “transsexual.” “Transsexual” is considered a subset of the word “transgender.” Wikipedia explains:
Transsexual people experience a gender identity that is inconsistent with, or not culturally associated with, their assigned sex, and desire to permanently transition to the gender with which they identify, usually seeking medical assistance (including hormone replacement therapy and other sex reassignment therapies) to help them align their body with their identified sex or gender. Therefore, our concern for identification of the transgender population deal with an aspect that cannot be physically seen, but rather an internal state that is not overt.
By the above definition, our usual standards of judging sex can be seen as biased and insulting to those who identify as transgender.
How can one determine if an individual is “transgender” when the word gender, outside the physical, can also relate to sex-based social structures (including gender roles and other social roles), or gender identity? If we had to resort to identification based solely on social structures, or social identity, are we now being put into a position that can be seen by some as sexist? How does one define a gender role that is universally acceptable?
Mental Health
On another note, if the individual admits that they are transgendered to mental health employee, does mental health now have the responsibility to divulge that information to administration so we can make sure the special needs for that individual are being fulfilled?
For some, the answer may be simple: they should be treated by the standards that relates to their physical appearance or sex. But for those at a higher level, who have to make sure that policies are being followed, we are faced with a dilemma.
As corrections evolves and our population grows more diverse, how is your institution handling the changes? Are there any other concerns that relate to the transgender population that need to be addressed? With PREA as a guideline, what issues have you faced that put your facility at a standstill, where policy says one thing, but practicality says something else?
