Finding Purpose — Part 2
By: Patricia Trimble
I am often accused of having an ‘OpEd’ style of writing. I am working on that, and in doing so, I would like to update you on the past year.
I was so moved, so overjoyed by those of you who responded to my story. Your words had been sent to me, however due to my incarceration I was unable to respond, until now. Thank all of you so so much!
This past year has been full of up and downs, joy and sadness, typical for all Mothers. Since my story was published on Medium, I was able to help three of my girls change their names legally. Being transgender and having identification that does not match the presented gender (driver looks like Barbi yet driver’s license shows the name Ralph) causes unnecessary embarrassment and attention for all concerned. But there are still others, desperate for official affirmation that comes with a Birth Certificate that reflects their true name and gender. But few have the financial resources to pay the fees. As a Mother, I do what I can, sometimes that means putting myself on hold in order to help one of my boys or girls who may be being released soon.
This past year my heart was full of joy as five (1 boy and 4 girls) members of my community was released. One of those mentioned in my original story, was released on parole with a new name and a new beginning. I was so happy for her, knowing she possessed a new birth certificate and a new drivers license depicting her correct gender. I would, as I suspect all mothers do, sit around waiting for mail (or emails) from her updating me on all of her new discoveries. But as time went on, I began seeing evidence of her falling back into her former way of life. She confessed she had been drinking, doing drugs and sliding down a slippery slope and she didn’t know how to recover. Unfortunately, she no longer maintains contact and at this point all I can do is await word from her or, for her to arrive here where I can give her a hug and help her to get healthy again.
That is more the norm, rather than the exception, for members of our community who find themselves in the prison system. Of the five released in the past year, the one boy and two of my girls are already back in prison with another on a fast track to disaster.
Things are changing within the prisons for us. In February 2019 the very first policy came out dealing with the care and treatment of Transgender prisoners. I felt so overjoyed, to officially be recognized by the prison administration after all these years. The first policy came with some shortcomings, so I felt it was my duty to fight for a change. I wrote letters, rewrote the policy and after several months, was blindsided when the administration releases a revision that addressed most all of my concerns.
Today, my boys and girls have a much easier path for approval to have gender affirming clothing and canteen items. Hormone Treatment approval is still a lengthy process, something I wish I could help simplify, but ultimately falls to mental health officials to approve. I still work to bring the Mental Health Staff up to date information as it relates to the treatment and care of transgender prisoners, but as is often the case, they look at me as just another prisoner who should keep her mouth shut and be content with the fact that I am being treated with Hormones! But what of my Sons and Daughters? Do they actually think I would stop fighting for them just because I am being given treatment?
As far as other things I have been up to, I am including a couple of links to other work by me or about me. I hope to be able to keep everyone posted on future progress, so until then…….
http://VICE.com
“How Trans Inmates Are Getting Each Other Access to Treatment Inside” By: Pierre Bienaimé 7/1/19 (TAGGED: INCARCERATION, TRANSGENDER, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY)
http://lgbtq.hkspublications.org/home/articles
“Ignored LGBTQ Prisoners: Discrimination, Rehabilitation, and Mental Health Services During Incarceration”
By: Patricia Elane Trimble
