Dear About Time,

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My name is Jessica and I have been reading About Time since issue one and I’m loving it so far.

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I just read issue 5 November 2024. There was an article titled “Bodies in Cages: Trans Experiences in Prison”. Being a trans woman myself, I wanted to share my story of experience in custody.

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I came out in 2019 whilst at the South Coast C.C. What followed was a painful process. A Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Policy outlined a set of guidelines of my rights and things I can access, things like hormones, cosmetics and female clothing. As well as addressing me by my preferred pronouns and female name etc, the policy made it sound simple in terms of accessing various services, however it wasn’t.

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I had to deal with my gender dysphoria on my own with no support around gender related issues from psychologists, so my mental health suffered and still does to this very day. In 2019, I applied through Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health for access to hormone replacement therapy. It took three years fighting through poor mental health to finally be able to receive such therapies, but not without the help of writing to the then Health Minister Brad Hazzard for resolution. I have experienced the same trouble this time around requesting an increase in HRT in October 2022. I had the appointment with the endocrinologist in September 2024 only to still be waiting to get seen by the GP. It's really upsetting, there’s all this talk from the top about telehealth making shorter wait times and ease of access yet 25 months and 6 days and counting and I’ve not been seen or had the increase as advised by the endocrinologist. I've navigated the prison system and have been so shocked by the amount of transphobia I’ve experienced and heard of is really upsetting, not just from fellow inmates but officers too, it doesn’t help you feel secure or safe.

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I feel as though the CSNSW Policy on transgender and intersex people gets overlooked at times and I really do wish that the people in from the top would work with someone like myself to help foot a program for new CSNSW recruits to engage in a program aimed at educating an understanding of LGBTIQA+ minorities needs. I know I’d love to help them foot a program, or better yet run it.

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I could go on and on about my experiences in custody but we'd be here forever.

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In closing, if you’re a trans woman going through a hard time in prison I want you to know that together we can create change.

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Don't let this system win. You are worthy, you are loved and you can get through.

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Lots of Love and Hope,

Jess. XXOOXX