As of recently, Internet Transgen members have been discussing a local San Francisco study about transgender persons. And, people in this fine city have been gearing up for the Transgender Candlelight Vigil. In reflection, however, I noted one person make what appeared to be an assumption that transgender persons get more probation, and do less time incarcerated. Particularly, in the sex worker population. Is this assumption true?

A question such as this falls into the field of forensics. In addition to specializing in regular therapy practice, I also have experience working in forensic mental health. I am keenly interested in questions about transgender persons, particularly those who are incarcerated.

My experience, at least across the country, is that transgender persons more often than not do harder time than other sub-populations. I have noted that these individuals receive more time for lessor crimes, and rarely receive proper adjudication. The sentences usually handed to transgender persons rarely make sense, and typically reflects society's hatred toward people with differences.

For instance, right now I have a handful of civil rights cases I am representing or providing expert services on. One involves a transgender woman, who was a prostitute, who received a 30 year sentence, for a $500.00 transaction placed on a stolen credit card. I have another client who received a 12-year sentence, her actual crime was stealing a dress. Another example I know from a consultation, here in California involves a transgender lady who 'assaulted' a police officer, and is now doing 20+ years.

Another thing I see frequently, all to often, are cases involving transgender persons involved in a robbery or series of robberies in order to pay for Genital Reassignment Surgery. In these situations I am typically asked if I will help provide an expert declaration stating that the individual's gender identity issues rendered them incompetent. In some cases I believe that may have been partially the circumstance, however I certainly don't want my credibility questioned.

Thus, with the preceding cases, I am left with the task of advising and assisting counsel of finding a credible issue that indicates mitigating circumstances. Sadly, however, for many, mitigating circumstances rarely result in any major reduction of sentence. There have been times I've gotten sentences slightly reduced, although typically courts take my recommendation on placement issues.

A lot of you might wonder why Ms. Israel decided to throw in her two cents on these particular issues. Perhaps, its because over the past several years I've gained a number of insights on issues that a lot of people would prefer doesn't even exist. San Francisco's transgender Candlelight Vigil came about as an opportunity for our community to mourn its slain and express outrage. However, in the same spirit, I would like to encourage others to remember the living. In all likelihood there are larger numbers of transgender persons imprisoned for petty crimes than people actually realize.

These typically are transgender persons for whom typically no candles will be lit, dead or alive. Countless transgender inmates die at the hands of violent inmates and correctional officers, often after living horrible imprisoned lives with physical beatings, multiple rape and sexual slavery. Blessed, is the transsexual inmate who actually receives hormone therapy. Most don't. For some, I am aggrieved to say, the most sensible escape from prison is suicide, but the prison often renders a person so psychotic they are unable to escape its hell.

Perhaps the harshest thing not known about our forgotten transgender sisters, is the types of lives led both those who aren't brutalized during residence in "general population." In many institutions transgender women are deemed a security risk. The presence of female flesh would result in riots and fighting among non-transgender inmates. Thus, transgender women are placed in 23-hour a day security housing, with no access to other inmates or socialization. They have no contact with other transgender persons, or an ability to advocate for correct hormone medications. Most people on the outside never hear of the sisters, because well over half can't write, and those that do get ignored.

Remembering our people doesn't just have to take place in San Francisco. If you're reading this piece, feel blessed you have your freedom and life. I'm hoping you join with me to light a candle for all those forgotten, including those most misunderstood because we know so little about their situation. If you are a person of means, feel welcome to contact me about funding the Prison Project Trust founded by Dee Farmer, so that transsexual inmates can receive representation and proper healthcare. If you are a lawyer or legal secretary, volunteer your services.

In closing, for those of you unfamiliar with the name. Ms. Dee Farmer is the federal inmate whose 1994 US Supreme Court Case (Farmer v. Brennan) further defined for the courts constitutional guidelines dealing with healthcare issues, including for transgender persons. --Personal Note. You go Dee and Miss Kittie! Twirl those sissies and make the courts do your bidding!