“I’m not different, I’m still a human being […] but I am different.” An exploration of the experiences of transgender prisoners using interpretative phenomenological analysis
| Pages | 97-111 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-10-2018-0038 |
| Date | 13 May 2019 |
| Published date | 13 May 2019 |
| Author | Joanne E. Nulty,Belinda Winder,Sally Lopresti |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
“I’m not different, I’m still a human being
[…] but I am different.”An exploration of the
experiences of transgender prisoners using
interpretative phenomenological analysis
Joanne E. Nulty, Belinda Winder and Sally Lopresti
Abstract
Purpose –The treatment and placement of transgender individuals within the UK prison system has
garnered considerable political and media attention. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the
experiences of three transgender women located within a male, category C prison in England.
Design/methodology/approach –Participants were interviewed and their accounts analysed using
interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Findings –Three overarching themes emerged from the data set: participants’experiences of transition;
their identity within custody and the challenges associated with presenting as female within a male
establishment; and what they perceived as their fight against the prison system which encompassed a fight
for their rights alongside a daily struggle against harassment, victimisation and discrimination.
Research limitations/implications –Three participants were interviewed which impacts the
generalisability of the findings. Implications link to the care and management of transgender prisoners.
Practical implications –The care and management of transgender prisoners is a complex issue. This
paper contributes to the discussion on how best to support and care for this group of service users who are
arguably amongst the most vulnerable within the prison system.
Social implications –Findings are discussed in relation to policy, management and safeguarding of
transgender prisoners within the UK prison system. Recommendations are made regarding their placement
and management in prison.
Originality/value –There are limited accounts from transgender prisoners regarding their experiences in prison.
This paper aims to address that gap.
Keywords Qualitative, Prison
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
The DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2015) defines “transgender”as relating to “the
broad spectrum of individuals who transiently or persistently identify with a gender different to
their natal gender”(p. 451). The term “transsexual”is specifically defined within the DSM-5 as
“an individual who seeks, or has undergone, a social transition from male to female or female to
male, which in many, but not all, cases also involves a somatic transition by cross-sex hormone
treatment and genital surgery”(p. 451).
In order to receive gender confirming medical treatment under the care of the National Health
Service, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is currently required. This diagnosis relates to the
persistent discomfort or distress resulting from the conflict between the person’s gender identity
and the gender assigned at birth, and/or distress about the lack of access to medical care to
address the conflict (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Whittle et al., 2008).
Received 1 October 2018
Revised 17 January 2019
28 January 2019
Accepted 30 January 2019
Joanne E. Nulty is based at the
Department of Psychology,
HMP Whatton,
Nottingham, UK.
Belinda Winder is based at the
Sexual Offences Crime and
Misconduct Unit (SOCAMRU),
Psychology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham, UK.
Sally Lopresti is based at the
Department of Psychology,
Nottingham Trent University,
Nottingham, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-10-2018-0038 VOL. 21 NO. 2 2019, pp. 97-111, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
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JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
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