I have had property “disappear,” shoes and books and grievances I have filed to address these issues. I have been pepper sprayed in the face because I refused to hand over the “contraband” bra and panties I had bought from the canteen and still had the receipt for, and forced to go days without any underwear at all after having mine confiscated.
I have been denied at every level, told by doctors that I’m not transgender, refused hormone therapy even though I had taken it on the streets, and had to go weeks without being able to shave after being put in confinement for wearing women’s clothing or standing up for my rights.
I have been made into something less than a man or woman, because in this world I am weak no matter how strong I may be, and I have no voice no matter how hard I scream.
But I have endured. I will because I believe this is my purpose—to suffer through and fight, write up everything I can, and take this unjust system to court. I know that I am not alone, that other women have been in my situation before, and had it better or worse. This is my rock bottom, the lowest point in my life, but I will survive, and I will never surrender who I am.
I will fight this prejudice every step of the way so that there will be a better future for all other people who are thrown in prison, so that we may all have the treatment, dignity, and respect that every human being deserves, even if they have done wrong.
I look forward to the day when transgender women will not be sent to prison for drug charges or prostitution, and I have gladly suffered all these things and more so that those who come after me will never have to.