Aotearoa to Stand in Solidarity with Transgender Prisoners

Transgender advocates across New Zealand are holding events this Friday for the International Day of Trans Prisoner Solidarity.

Prison abolitionist group No Pride in Prisons and its supporters have organised events on January 22 in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin.

No Pride in Prisons spokeswoman Emilie Rākete says, “The situation for incarcerated trans people across the world is dire.”

“The prison system in New Zealand is in crisis. Mass overcrowding, a double-bunking policy and administrative mismanagement place all incarcerated people at risk, especially if they’re trans.”

Rākete says that the events of the past year have shown just how little regard the Department of Corrections has for the health and well-being of incarcerated people.

“Corrections is responsible for the alleged rape of a trans woman in Wiri prison last year, as well as the countless stories of violence that trans prisoners have shared with No Pride in Prisons.”

“For all those trans people currently incarcerated in Aotearoa, every day is filled with dread as to what’s coming next. Imprisonment for trans people means being regularly subjected to harassment, violence and sexual assault.”

“No Pride in Prisons absolutely stands in solidarity with trans prisoners across the world and will continue to fight for justice for incarcerated people.”

The group believes that there is growing public discontent with the treatment of trans prisoners. This discontent will be demonstrated at numerous events across Aotearoa this week.

In Auckland, the group will hold a rally at 5.00pm on the corner of Wakefield and Queen Street across from Aotea Square on January 22.

The rally will feature speakers on the state of incarceration in Aotearoa, No Pride in Prisons’ analysis of the prison system, and the importance of standing in solidarity with incarcerated trans people across the country.

Supporters in Dunedin will be holding events over two days. On January 21 there will be a free film screening at 7.00pm followed by some discussion and refreshments at the Attic, 140 George Street.

On January 22 there will be a free People's Kitchen Dinner from 5.00pm at Black Star Books, 111 Moray Place, followed by a gig from 9.00pm at the Crown Hotel, 179 Rattray Street. The gig will feature local bands $noregazZzm, Whiskey and the Wench, Yung Nat$, Machina Rex and OPC.

Members of No Pride in Prisons in Wellington will host a screening of 2015 film ‘Tangerine,’ a story following a transgender sex worker.

The film screening will be held at 7.00pm on January 22, in the downstairs meeting room at Thistle Hall Gallery. Afterwards, a discussion will take place about the No Pride in Prisons kaupapa and how to get involved.

According to Rākete, “The events this week will allow the public to send a message to the government that it is ultimately failing in its responsibilities to incarcerated people.”

Auckland:
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/715826331885934/

Wellington:
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/662585490510455/

Dunedin:
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/788184267976997/

ENDS

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