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Brömdal A, Winter C, Sanders T, Leslie Simpson P, Maycock M, Clark KA. Transformative trans incarceration research: now and into the future. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2024; 25:123-129. [PMID: 38681494 PMCID: PMC11044726 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2024.2334499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Charlie Winter
- School of Business, Law Flinders University Adelaide, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Communication and Arts, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Leslie Simpson
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine, Health University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Maycock
- Criminology, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Society Vanderbilt University Nashville, Health, Tennessee, USA
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Dalzell LG, Pang SC, Brömdal A. Gender affirmation and mental health in prison: A critical review of current corrections policy for trans people in Australia and New Zealand. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:21-36. [PMID: 37638610 PMCID: PMC10756016 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231195285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trans people in prison experience disproportionate rates of harm, including negative mental health outcomes, and thus require special protections. Instead, corrections policies have historically further marginalised them. This critical policy review aimed to compare corrections policies for trans people in Australia and New Zealand with human rights standards and consider their mental health impact. METHODS Online searches were conducted on corrections websites for each state/territory in Australia and New Zealand. Drawing on the Nelson Mandela Rules and Yogyakarta Principles, 19 corrections policies relevant to placement, naming, appearance and gender-affirming healthcare for trans people were reviewed. The potential mental health impact of these policies on incarcerated trans people was discussed using the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience framework. RESULTS Australian and New Zealand corrections policies have become more concordant with human rights standards in the past 5 years. However, gender-related discrimination and human rights violations were present in corrections policies of all jurisdictions. New South Wales and Victorian policies had the highest concordance with human rights standards, while Queensland and South Australian policies had the lowest. CONCLUSION Policies that contribute to discrimination and minority stress may increase risk of mental health problems and suicide for incarcerated trans people. Mental health professionals working in prisons need to be aware of these risks to provide safe and accessible mental healthcare for trans people. Collaborative policy development with trans people is essential to protect the safety and rights of incarcerated trans people and consider models beyond the gender binary on which correctional systems have been founded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Dalzell
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Clifton Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Sam C Pang
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Clifton Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Faculty of Business, Education and Law and Centre for Health Research, Institute of Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
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Engelberg R, Hood Q, Shah K, Parent B, Martin J, Turpin R, Feelemyer J, Khan M, Vieira D. Challenges Unique to Transgender Persons in US Correctional Settings: a Scoping Review. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1170-1189. [PMID: 37851317 PMCID: PMC10728397 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00794-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
US correctional facilities operate under a binary interpretation of gender, which can yield inherent risks and conflicts for incarcerated transgender people. We conducted a scoping literature review on challenges unique to transgender individuals within US correctional settings. Online databases were searched to identify papers that addressed the challenges of incarcerated transgender adults age 18 + within US correctional institutions. A concurrent analysis of legal literature was reviewed with key policy recommendations extracted. A total of 33 papers (21 scientific studies and 12 legal analyses) met criteria for inclusion. Of the 21 scientific studies, the majority of papers (n = 14) focused on transgender women and most (n = 13) utilized qualitative methods. Emerging themes revealed challenges in key domains of violence, health, healthcare access, housing, and a pervasive culture of transphobia. Legal analyses supported policy changes such as implementing case-by-case housing classification systems, providing all forms of gender-affirming care, and safeguarding gender expression. Transgender persons face distinct obstacles while incarcerated in US correctional facilities and are in need of expanded protections. Working in tandem with efforts to decarcerate and reduce criminal legal involvement, widespread institutional policy change, such as redefining housing assignment policies, ensuring gender-affirming healthcare, and expanding transgender-specific competency trainings for correctional staff, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Engelberg
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Quinn Hood
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krina Shah
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brendan Parent
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rodman Turpin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jonathan Feelemyer
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Khan
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dorice Vieira
- Health Sciences Library, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Brömdal A, Sanders T, Stanners M, du Plessis C, Gildersleeve J, Mullens AB, Phillips TM, Debattista J, Daken K, Clark KA, Hughto JMW. Where do incarcerated trans women prefer to be housed and why? Adding nuanced understandings to a complex debate through the voices of formerly incarcerated trans women in Australia and the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 25:167-186. [PMID: 38681496 PMCID: PMC11044725 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2280167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Incarcerated trans women experience significant victimization, mistreatment, barriers to gender-affirming care, and human rights violations, conferring high risk for trauma, psychological distress, self-harm, and suicide. Across the globe, most carceral settings are segregated by sex assigned at birth and governed by housing policies that restrict gender expression-elevating 'safety and security' above the housing preferences of incarcerated people. Aim/methods Drawing upon the lived experiences of 24 formerly incarcerated trans women in Australia and the United States and employing Elizabeth Freeman's notion of chrononormativity, Rae Rosenberg's concept of heteronormative time, and Kadji Amin's use of queer temporality, this paper explores trans women's carceral housing preferences and contextual experiences, including how housing preferences challenge governing chrononormative and reformist carceral housing systems. Findings Participants freely discussed their perspectives regarding housing options which through thematic analysis generated four options for housing: 1) men's carceral settings; 2) women's carceral settings; 3) trans- and gay-specific housing blocks; and 4) being housed in protective custody or other settings. There appeared to be a relationship between the number of times the person had been incarcerated, the duration of their incarceration, and where they preferred to be housed. Conclusions This analysis contributes to richer understandings regarding trans women's experiences while incarcerated. This paper also informs the complexities and nuances surrounding housing preferences from the perspectives of trans women themselves and considers possible opportunities to enhance human rights, health and wellbeing when engaging in transformative approaches to incarceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melinda Stanners
- School of Education, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carol du Plessis
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica Gildersleeve
- School of Humanities and Communication, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy B. Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tania M. Phillips
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital & Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirstie Daken
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health & Society, Institute for Public Policy Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jaclyn M. W. Hughto
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Centre for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Daken K, Excell T, Clark KA, Hughto JMW, Sanders T, Debattista J, du Plessis C, Mullens AB, Phillips TM, Gildersleeve J, Brömdal A. Correctional staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward incarcerated trans people: A scoping review of an emerging literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 25:149-166. [PMID: 38681490 PMCID: PMC11044747 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2265386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background: Trans people are incarcerated at disproportionately high rates relative to cisgender people and are at increased risk of negative experiences while incarcerated, including poor mental health, violence, sexual abuse, dismissal of self-identity, including poor access to healthcare. Aims: This scoping review sought to identify what is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of correctional staff toward incarcerated trans people within the adult and juvenile justice systems. Method: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the five-stage iterative process developed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), utilizing the PRISMA guidelines and checklist for scoping reviews and included an appraisal of included papers. A range of databases and grey literature was included. Literature was assessed against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with included studies written in English, online full text availability, and reported data relevant to the research question. Results: Seven studies were included with four using qualitative methodologies, one quantitative, and two studies employing a mixed methods approach. These studies provided insights into the systemic lack of knowledge and experience of correctional staff working with trans people, including staff reporting trans issues are not a carceral concern, and carceral settings not offering trans-affirming training to their staff. Within a reform-based approach these findings could be interpreted as passive ignorance and oversights stressing the importance of organizational policies and leadership needing to set standards for promoting the health and wellbeing of incarcerated trans persons. Conclusions: From a transformational lens, findings from this study highlight the urgent need to address the underlying structural, systemic, and organizational factors that impact upon the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors staff have and hold in correctional, and other health and community settings to meaningfully and sustainably improve health, wellbeing, and gender-affirming treatment and care for trans communities, including make possible alternative methods of accountability for those who do harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Daken
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tarra Excell
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health & Society, Institute for Public Policy Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jaclyn M. W. Hughto
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Centre for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital & Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carol du Plessis
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy B. Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tania M. Phillips
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica Gildersleeve
- School of Humanities and Communication, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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Winter C. Correctional policies for the management of trans people in Australian prisons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 25:130-148. [PMID: 38681491 PMCID: PMC11044746 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2246953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background: Despite existing international standards for the prison management of incarcerated trans people, carceral policies across Australian jurisdictions vary in their availability, breadth, and appropriateness. Trans populations in prison represent a vulnerable population, having specific needs surrounding their health, safety, and wellbeing. Prior reviews into Australian carceral policies highlight where contemporary prison practices fall short of meeting those specific needs. Aims/method: A review was conducted on the available carceral policy documents of each Australian correctional service regime, examining their coverage of issues including healthcare access, placement decisions, and classification systems against international standards and prior Australian recommendations. Forty-one relevant policy documents were reviewed against eighteen benchmark recommendations, along with supplementary data. Results: Australian jurisdictions varied widely on the coverage of the reviewed areas. Benchmark attainment ranged from twelve out of eighteen (Victoria and Western Australia) to three out of eighteen (Queensland). The use of administrative segregation was identified as the area in most need of policy reform. No jurisdiction met every benchmark.Conclusions: This review highlights the need for carceral policy reform across Australian jurisdictions in order to meet the unique needs of incarcerated trans people, especially in the areas of administrative segregation and healthcare access. The review also highlights the need for carceral policy reform to bring Australian jurisdictions in line with each other on the management of incarcerated trans people, to reduce disparate outcomes across states and territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Winter
- Department of Criminology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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du Plessis C, Halliwell SD, Mullens AB, Sanders T, Gildersleeve J, Phillips T, Brömdal A. A trans agent of social change in incarceration: A psychobiographical study of Natasha Keating. J Pers 2023; 91:50-67. [PMID: 35715895 PMCID: PMC10108085 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This psychobiography focuses on the advocacy work of Natasha Keating, a trans woman incarcerated in two male prisons in Australia between 2000 and 2007. Incarcerated trans women are a vulnerable group who experience high levels of victimization and discrimination. However, Natasha advocated for her rights while incarcerated and this advocacy contributed to substantial changes in the carceral system. This psychobiography uses psychological understandings of resilience as well as the Transgender Resilience Intervention Model (TRIM) to investigate the factors that enabled this advocacy. METHOD Data consisted of an archive of letters written by Natasha and interviews with individuals who knew her well. This psychobiography was guided by du Plessis' (2017) 12-step approach and included the identification of psychological saliencies and the construction of a Multilayered Chronological Chart. RESULTS Natasha's life is presented in four chapters, with each chapter including a discussion of resilience based on the TRIM. CONCLUSIONS The TRIM suggests that during incarceration, Natasha was able to access more group-level resilience factors than at any other time in her life. This, combined with individual resilience factors, enabled her advocacy. This finding has implications for advocacy in general as it highlights the importance of both individual- and group-level factors in enabling individuals to effectively advocate for change in their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol du Plessis
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sherree D Halliwell
- School of Humanities and Communication, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica Gildersleeve
- School of Humanities and Communication, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tania Phillips
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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Brömdal A, Halliwell S, Sanders T, Clark KA, Gildersleeve J, Mullens AB, Phillips TM, Debattista J, du Plessis C, Daken K, Hughto JMW. Navigating intimate trans citizenship while incarcerated in Australia and the United States. FEMINISM & PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 33:42-64. [PMID: 37125407 PMCID: PMC10139736 DOI: 10.1177/09593535221102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Trans women incarcerated throughout the world have been described as "vulnerable populations" due to significant victimization, mistreatment, lack of gender-affirming care, and human rights violations, which confers greater risk of trauma, self-harm, and suicide compared with the general incarcerated population. Most incarceration settings around the world are segregated by the person's sex characteristics (i.e., male or female) and governed by strong cis and gender normative paradigms. This analysis seeks to better understand and appreciate how the "instructions" and the "authorities" that regulate trans women's corporeal representation, housing options and sense of self-determination implicate and affect their agency and actions in handling intimacies related to their personal life. Drawing upon lived incarcerated experiences of 24 trans women in Australia and the United States, and employing Ken Plummer's notion of intimate citizenship, this analysis explores how trans women navigate choices and ways "to do" gender, identities, bodies, emotions, desires and relationships while incarcerated in men's prisons and governed by cis and gender normative paradigms. This critical analysis contributes to understanding how incarcerated trans women through grit, resilience, and ingenuity still navigate ways to embody, express and enact their intimate citizenship in innovative and unique ways.
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Halliwell SD, du Plessis C, Hickey A, Gildersleeve J, Mullens AB, Sanders T, Clark KA, Hughto JMW, Debattista J, Phillips TM, Daken K, Brömdal A. A Critical Discourse Analysis of an Australian Incarcerated Trans Woman's Letters of Complaint and Self-Advocacy. ETHOS (BERKELEY, CALIF.) 2022; 50:208-232. [PMID: 36337726 PMCID: PMC9632636 DOI: 10.1111/etho.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This case study provides a critical discourse analysis of 121 letters of complaint and self-advocacy authored by Natasha Keating, a trans woman incarcerated in two Australian male correctional facilities from 2000 to 2007. During her incarceration, Natasha experienced victimization, misgendering, microaggression, and institutional discrimination. Despite this, Natasha embodied and "fought" against the injustices she experienced, whilst seeking to speak for other trans incarcerated persons also silenced and treated with indifference, contributing to changes in the carceral system. This original case study analyzes the discursive strategies Natasha employed to construct and reclaim an affirming self-identity through a deliberate campaign to effect social change and policy concessions within a system designed to curtail self-determination. Through her empathic and impassioned letter-writing approach, leveraging a military metaphor, this novel analysis showcases the significant implications her activism/agentism and determination had in naming and seeking to dismantle the systems of oppression trans incarcerated women experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol du Plessis
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland
| | - Andrew Hickey
- Communications in the School of Humanities and Communication and Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Southern Queensland
| | | | - Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland
| | - Kirsty A Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society and Program in Public Policy Studies
| | - Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Brown School of Public Health and faculty in the Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity at Brown University
| | | | - Tania M Phillips
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland
| | - Kirstie Daken
- Centre for Health Research, Institute of Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland
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