An organisation of young people pushing for change in the criminal justice system say they are excited to hear about the new Prisoner Correspondence Network to connect LGBTI prisoners with LGBTI people on the outside and highlight an urgent need for research into the experiences of LGBTI people in prisons. MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL AFP/Getty Images JustSpeak formed in Wellington in 2011 as a youth branch of Rethinking Crime and Punishment and Director Dr Katie Bruce says “Prison can be a very isolating experience and these connections could make a real difference to LGBTI prisoners. “We know that the prison environment has a detrimental effect on mental health, as well as prisoners already being more likely to enter prison with poor mental health.” 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. Bruce says JustSpeak will soon be launching a joint report with the Mental Health Foundation on mental health in prison. “This report will highlight how there is no specific research on the number of prisoners who identify as LGBTQI in New Zealand, or on their specific mental health needs. International research suggests that LGBTQI prisoners face an increased risk of violence and abuse in prison. She highlights one study in the United States found that LGBTQI prisoners were over six times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general prison population. “JustSpeak is really supportive of this new network and supports broader research and reform in this area. There is an urgent need for research into the experiences of being trans in prison and the needs of LBGTI people in prison more generally. Prisoners who are transgender are especially vulnerable to discrimination, harassment, abuse and sexual assault while in prison.” “With prison numbers escalating to 10,000 by April next year our concerns grow. Overcrowding is a particular stressor on mental health and prison capacity is already at 104%. The solution is not more prisons, but thinking differently about how we better support vulnerable people in our communities.” Any interested free or incarcerated queer people can contact the Prisoner Correspondence 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 - 5:50pm