1
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Winter
- Department of Criminology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clark KA, Brömdal A, Phillips T, Sanders T, Mullens AB, Hughto JM. Developing the "Oppression-to-Incarceration Cycle" of Black American and First Nations Australian Trans Women: Applying the Intersectionality Research for Transgender Health Justice Framework. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2023; 29:27-38. [PMID: 36576795 PMCID: PMC10081706 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.21.09.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Trans women are disproportionately incarcerated in the United States and Australia relative to the general population. Stark racial and ethnic disparities in incarceration rates mean that Black American and First Nations Australian trans women are overrepresented in incarceration relative to White and non-Indigenous cisgender and trans people. Informed by the Intersectionality Research for Transgender Health Justice (IRTHJ) framework, the current study drew upon lived experiences of Black American and First Nations Australian trans women to develop a conceptual model demonstrating how interlocking forces of oppression inform, maintain, and exacerbate pathways to incarceration and postrelease experiences. Using a flexible, iterative, and reflexive thematic analytic approach, we analyzed qualitative data from 12 semistructured interviews with formerly incarcerated trans women who had been incarcerated in sex-segregated male facilities. Three primary domains-pathways to incarceration, experiences during incarceration, and postrelease experiences-were used to develop the "oppression-to-incarceration cycle." This study represents a novel application of the IRTHJ framework that seeks to name intersecting power relations, disrupt the status quo, and center embodied knowledge in the lived realities of formerly incarcerated Black American and First Nations Australian trans women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Annette Brömdal
- School of Education, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Tania Phillips
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Tait Sanders
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Amy B. Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Jaclyn M.W. Hughto
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|