Marko Veckov

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Number Date REVIEW ON THE BOOK TRANSGENDER BEHIND PRISON WALLS BY SARAH JANE BAKER Treatment of transgender persons within prison walls is the subject of the book by Sarah Jane Baker. The author gained a necessity to write the book, as she claims that rules explaining the procedures are rather ambiguous. The same can be claimed for any explanation coming from officials, like Ministry of Justice. This paper’s aim is to analyze if this book could be useful guide to transgender persons who find themselves locked up and to those around them, like their families. According to the author, official documents, which describe the handling of the prisoners, as well as those belonging to transgender territory, are often neglected by the prison authorities. Unfortunately, these documents are written in such ambiguous terms that there are various ways in which Governors can legally interpret them, sometimes to the shame of the prison system as a whole [CITATION Bak17 \p 17 \l 1033 ]. Currently, author states, if the prisoner doesn’t show any evidence of treatment for gender dysphoria, prison authorities could assume that his/her ‘transgender’ identity is the matter of individual choice. This is something deeply humiliating to these individuals and it releases prison staff members from any discrimination claims responsibilities. Summary of the book The author starts by explaining often misunderstood meaning of transgender, claiming the notion represent any person with gender dysphoria, being male or female. Within the male prison system, other prisoners may think that we are just gay, transvestites (men who enjoy wearing female clothing), or attention-seekers [CITATION Bak17 \p 24 \l 1033 ]. This part of the book is followed by explanation of general procedures, regarding search or clothing, imposed upon the newly arrived inmate, according to which the guards are obliged to proceed. Upon arrival at the prison premises all new prisoners are informed of their rights and obligations, regarding conduct, while incarcerated. If a prisoner provides evidence of his/her transgender identity he/she may be handled differently by the guards and placed in the single cell or even empty double cell. When inside, the issue of appropriate clothing remains, as sexual identity within prison walls, which differs from assumed ‘normality’ is highly unwelcomed and suppressed. Following that despite ‘transgender’ issue being present in the media today more than ever, but that cases of discrimination still occur, author gives recommendations of clothing within prisons for transgender women. Afterward, there is a slight warning that eventual showcasing of one’s real identity imposes both risk and relief but cannot be undone. Strengths and weaknesses of the book First strength of the book is related to these transgender individuals who find themselves on the wrong side of prison bars for the first time. To them, all this might seem new, fueled by the general fear of how they will be handled by other inmates and prison guards. Author gives a few useful tips for the start, like locking your cell, so that any items that are permitted to be carried within it, might not be stolen by other inmates. Also, if transgender prisoner is forced to share a cell with other prisoner, he/she might restrain the decision to come out as transgender, due to it possibly causing sexual abuse, from the other prisoner. Second strength is contained in the description of the situation, where potential transgender person comes out and reveals his/her true sexual identity. This however will impose a lot of questions, mainly associated with how the rest of the world will see this person. There may be negative consequences that are difficult to deal with [CITATION Bak17 \p 49 \l 1033 ]. Likewise, if this person is a prisoner, his or her story might attract the attention of the media and author warns that even the closest persons might turn against this inmate. First weakness relates to book being dedicated mostly if not entirely to the issue of transgender women. By doing so, it somehow puts aside even greater difficulties transgender men could face within prison system. The accent on men who have gender issues is proven with broad descriptions of close transgender women could wear within prison setting in order to hide their true sexual identity. These clothing items include makeup, wigs and dresses, which could perfectly serve their use in these cases. Transgender males are largely overlooked, although violence and gangs and aggressive behavior is not related solely to male inmates anymore and any transphobic comment can come from female inmates, as well. Second weakness can be attributed to the author’s strong discouragement of potential decision of transgender person to reveal himself/herself in the attempt to overcome cultural barriers. Author claims that this is due to the difficulty of proving any discriminating act or comment after it is being done. Author points out to the numerous cases of trans persons being successful at their workplaces or classrooms after revealing themselves. However, prison setting is something different, as cases of exclusion of these individuals happens from time to time and sometimes often. Therefore, author concludes that avoiding such unpleasant situations may be a thing of outmost importance. Being assertive and dressing appropriately can help in warding off any potential threats in our jails [CITATION Bak17 \p 34 \l 1033 ]. This attitude does not promote the possibility of reaching out to other inmates, who might view true sexual identity of such person as not normal, through dialogue and acts of self-actualization and promotion. If other inmates could see that this person is not pursuing any attention and that his/her state is the result of gender issue, they might change their attitude. Recommendations for potential readers The book might prove to be useful to those transgender prisoners, who are serving their sentence for the first time. It clearly gives instructions on the way of conduct properly and avoiding any unpleasant events from guards or other prisoners. It might not be that useful to those transgender prisoners already serving their sentence. The boundaries between gender roles have been blurred in recent times and the proper ways of conduct to these inmates are often confusing. Violence is not anymore, the thing that mostly occurs at male prisons. Likewise, certain roles that could be described as feminine in the past are not solely reserved for women anymore. To those transgender persons who might have already decided to reveal themselves within prison walls, it may be of even lesser value. Although, discrimination is prohibited through official documents, it certainly can occur to these prisoners and the book gives little advice to them on how to act in such cases. Finally, this book can be a useful guide to prison authorities and inexperienced guards on the ways of handling these inmates. It can be a useful reading to these inmates’ families and friends in getting to know difficulties through which their loved one must come through. At the end, it may be useful for social workers, probation officers and psychologists, who work with these and other inmates at a daily basis. Conclusion The issue of LGBTQ persons has been present in the media and everyday life today more than ever. While, it is reasonable to assume that any acts of discrimination towards these individuals will likely be absent from colleges and education facilities, prisons are entirely different setting. Rules of conduct towards these prisoners are sometimes unclear and unless persons proves his/her transgender identity, he/she may be handled like other inmates and this book is a valuable insight into difficulties they face. Works Cited Baker, Sarah Jane. Transgender Behind Prison Walls. Waterside Press, 2017. Accessed 8 October 2020. .