Gemma Huriwai (HRC) A volunteer who supports and mentors transgender prisoners at Mt Eden and Auckland prisons is being acknowledged as part of Volunteer Week. The Department of Corrections has highlighted the work of transwoman Gemmah Huriwai, who visits the jails monthly. Corrections' Assistant General Manager Brendan Anstiss says Huriwai became involved in volunteering in prison after realising that existing support for transgender prisoners was very limited, with many prisoners being disowned by their families because of their sexuality. "Prison volunteers are generous with their time and energy and we want to acknowledge that this week. Many have careers, families and busy lives of their own, yet they still find the time and motivation to come into prison and support our work," says Dr Anstiss. A Human Rights Commission profile says Huriwai didn't think she'd be allowed to go back and help in jail, after spending time in Mt Eden Prison when the street and drugs were her life. After making some major changes, she decided she wanted to go back and help - and found nobody elese was working with transgender prisoners and her efforts were well received.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 26th June 2010 - 9:20pm