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International research identifies transgender people as a particularly vulnerable group in the prison system, with their most basic needs often being denied to them (Grant et al. 2011, 158). Transgender prisoners experience higher rates of sexual assault and rape (Broadus 2008–9; Jenness et al. 2007). Yet, there is little empirical Australian research (Simpson et al., 2013). Drawing on a conceptual framework of cisnormativity, this article examines existing research about these policies, procedures, and practices regarding the treatment of transgender people in prisons and argues that carceral settings both pathologise and criminalise transgender inmates through incarceration practices that aim to address and reduce their vulnerability. We additionally demonstrate this argument through analysis of policies regarding the treatment of transgender prisoners. By examining how cisnormativity affects transgender prisoners, this briefing paper seeks to move beyond strategies that respond to vulnerability and towards approaches that prevent its replication.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	transgender, imprisonment, prison, criminalisation, vulnerability, pathologisation, cisnormativity
Research Division:	Human Society
Research Group:	Criminology
Research Field:	Correctional theory, offender treatment and rehabilitation
Objective Division:	Law, Politics and Community Services
Objective Group:	Justice and the law
Objective Field:	Rehabilitation and correctional services
UTAS Author:	Rodgers, J (Dr Jess Rodgers)
UTAS Author:	Asquith, NL (Professor Nicole Asquith)
UTAS Author:	Dwyer, A (Associate Professor Angela Dwyer)
ID Code:	114465
Year Published:	2017
Deposited By:	Office of the School of Social Sciences
Deposited On:	2017-02-15
Last Modified:	2022-02-28
Downloads:	51 View Download Statistics