Kal’s Dairy May 10, 2023

Quote of the week: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” —Eleanor Roosevelt.

Song of the week: “Open Arms” by Mozzy

Let’s gooooo! I’m so excited about finally finding a new domain for the website! Thank you Etta and the whole Let’s Get Free organization. Etta you are such a blessing. Also, thank you to my Mom. She’s the one that puts in the time to get theses things done. Mothers Day is coming up and I can’t possibly do enough. Love you, Mom and you are greatly appreciated.

Now that that’s out the way, let’s get to it. The last few months here at SCI-Cambridge Springs have been challenging. There has been some discriminatory practices going on with no concern from the administration for the safety and well being when it comes to the housing compatibility and living situations for trans men.

We are being housed with other trans men (just because they’re trans) for the sole purpose of separating us from the “female” population. In their homophonic minds, we are predatory and all we want to do is have sex. They also have said, “two trans inmates are less likely to ‘rape’ each other”. This kind of prejudice is not only disgusting but, common. This mindset has left trans men with limited compatible roommates.

Policy states that the GRC (Gender Review Committee) is suppose to assess and vote on a case by case basis a request for housing and/or roommate for the safety of transgender inmates. This happens—never. We are just housed with anyone. And in not doing their due diligence, the women’s families call up and complain about their child being housed with a man without the woman’s consent.

A high percentage of incarcerated women are victims of abuse. This means that PTSD and other mental health triggers are serious problem when it comes to being housed with men. The facilities problem is; they still don’t see us as men. And this is the real issue.

Muncy’s system for the housing of trans men (which is following policy) is not

as discriminatory. They house their trans men alone until a suitable roommate becomes available and then, they both sign a contract that says that they are OK with living with a person that is cis and/or the opposite gender identity.

Cambridge Springs doesn’t even ask. They don’t care. Their solution is to give us one of a few things; an inmate whom they know, no one wants to live with for mental health reasons. An inmate that never washes. An elderly person. One that likes to fight their roommates all the time. And, I’m sorry to have to put it this way but, its completely true, an over weight undesirably looking female which, in their eyes, will deter us from wanting to have sex.

WE ARE NOT PREDATORS! Its the women who want to use us as a replacement for male partners. Its the women who harass, bully, and threaten us into relationships. Also, not all who identify as trans, are trans. They just do it for the perks. The “boys” or women acting like boys, in prison are sometimes taken care of by cis-women for sexual favors. This muddy the waters for those of us who are truly trans men. The powers that be know who’s, who. And still, they lump us all in as sexual deviants. Even with these kinds of shananagans going on, we should not be subjected to discriminatory housing practices. We shouldn’t be denied an adequate living situation simply because there “might” be a relationship or they may end up in one.

There are still rules that prohibit sexual activities and those rules and sanctions should be enforced when broken but, not before.

Moving on! I have been practicing portraits. Experimenting on myself first. Etta suggested I do a self-portrait. I am struggling!! Not on the composition part but, the maintaining of colors. I have about 5 different tones on my face. Acrylics dry quickly. By the time I get my proportions correct, the color has pretty much dried up and I have to remake it and it doesn’t resemble the previous hue. Ahhh! Any suggestions?