The Trans Prisoners’ Rights Coalition, formerly known as the G.I.R.D.S. (Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety) Coalition was established in 2019, and is made up of several organizations in New York State working toward the liberation, safety and dignity of TGNCNBI incarcerated people. We are grassroots organizers, legal service providers, and people impacted by the cruelty of the criminal justice system fighting for a more equitable world.
“Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.”
-George Villa, formerly incarcerated activist
Mission
People across New York State are fighting for safe, healthy and dignified housing, especially for our most vulnerable Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary and Intersex (TGNCNBI) incarcerated community members. The Trans Prisoners’ Rights Coalition is committed to doing this work with impacted individuals and organizers across the state at the helm. As we work tirelessly toward passing transformative legislation like the Gender Identity Respect, Dignity, and Safety (GIRDS) Act, we are fight for those silenced by the varying intersections of oppression and marginalization incarcerated TGNCNBI people face. The Trans Prisoners’ Rights Coalition of New York is committed to centering the most impacted and vulnerable within the carceral system, while working toward a world where no human being is seen to be deserving of living in a cage.
Strategy
- Activating and centering TGNCNBI people who are currently incarcerated and/or have had experiences with incarceration.
- Educating people inside and outside the carceral system on the dangers faced by incarcerated TGNCNBI people, as well as the social and political antecedents that have created these conditions.
- Uplifting the intersection of creativity and abolition through sharing artwork and personal narratives of incarcerated TGNCNBI people.
GOAL: To ensure the voices of incarcerated TGNCNBI people are front and center for those in Albany, NY and that the promises that legislators make to protect our most vulnerable populations come to fruition.
Trans Prisoners' Rights Coalition of New York 