Members of the queer community in Auckland are launching a letter-writing programme connecting LGBTI prisoners with the outside community. The Prisoner Correspondence Network aims to provide LGBTI prisoners with friendship, support, writing practice and personal expression free from judgement following concerns about the welfare of queer and especially trans prisoners. The network are currently calling for participants and asking any LGBTI people, both incarcerated or free, to contact them now to participate. In May, a forum panel, hosted by student run pro bono organisation The Equal Justice Project, discussed the issue of discrimination faced by transgender prisoners and what solutions may be available. Earlier in the year around 150 people gathered on Auckland’s Queen Street to urge for action on trans prisoner safety. Speakers, including No Pride in Prisons’ Emmy Rākete and Green Party MP Marama Daidson, highlighted the plight of trans women prisoners who are placed in male prisons and often have to share a cell with violent prisoners. The sexual assault and abuse of trans prisoners has been an issue consistently in the spotlight over the past couple of years, as allegations of attacks come to public attention. Any interested free or incarcerated queer people can contact the network for more information at pcnaotearoa@gmail.com or PCN / PO Box 5870 / Wellesley St / Auckland 1141.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 28th July 2016 - 10:28am