Inmate Advocacy Project
TEP’s Inmate Advocacy program works to ensure that incarcerated Trans folks have access to resources like:
- Commissary or care packages
- Gender-affirming undergarments
- Affirming emotional support and friendship through our pen pal project
- Upon release, these folks can take advantage of the resources provided by our other programs, such as inTRANSitions and Trans Employment Project
TEP is currently working with the Department of Corrections in 3 states, and we’re working hard to expand our reach. If you know a Trans person who is incarcerated and needs help, please reach out to [email protected]
The idea for TEP’s Pen Pal Project was conceived after we noticed that almost all of our incarcerated clients mentioned a desire to have someone in their lives who could be affirming and supportive. We heard that call and spent five months building a pen pal project that launched on September 1st, 2021.
If you’re interested in signing up to be a pen pal for an incarcerated Trans person, click the link below
See How Your Words Affect An Incarcerated Trans Outlook
Being locked up in a men’s prison, as a woman, is honestly a stressful experience. People have a set idea of what transgender women are supposed to look like and act like. Talking to level headed people that actually care helps me feel like me being locked up isn’t as bad as it could be.
The e-mails give me a sense of belonging to something more than simply my prison life.
Having pen pals helps me keep focused and be able to talk to people outside of prison and that can give me good insight on what life is like outside of here and keep me motivated.