Article: Transgender Respect Agency Dignity Act: No More Violations?
It is no wonder that in 2020, the conversation surrounding the Transgender Respect Agency Dignity Act (TRADA) is at an all-time high. Since its passing in April 2017, the Act has been a major win for many members of the transgender community; a long-awaited beacon of hope when it comes to the arduous path of attaining gender equality.
But with reports emerging that state prison officials are simply flouting the law on technicalities, it is evident that a hard-won victory runs the risk of becoming an empty promise. Although TRADA has been able to provide transgender individuals with the respect and dignity they are due, many transgender individuals find themselves losing out on their rights because of such palpably illegal behaviour on the part of state prison officials.
Since its conception, TRADA has established a strict set of guidelines for state prison officials on how to interact and treat transgender people in custody. Most importantly, it requires prison officials to treat transgender individuals with respect, and to recognize their gender identity and pronouns. In addition, TRADA also provides transgender individuals with the right to receive hormone therapy, Request-A-Cell (RAC) accommodation, and the right to participate in the full array of in-person programs and services.
It is highly disconcerting, then, that despite the safeguards put in place by TRADA, state prison officials are still flouting the law on technicalities. This state of affairs should not be allowed to continue, and action must be taken to ensure that all transgender individuals receive the respect and dignity that they so rightfully deserve.
To address this issue, it is essential to take a closer look at the rules of TRADA. By familiarizing oneself with the restrictions embodied by this act, one can ensure that state prison officials adhere to these guidelines and in turn, treat all transgender individuals with respect and dignity. Additionally, civil rights academicians and attorneys must be available to proactively defend transgender individuals’ rights and pushback every time the TRADA is violated.
TRADA has been instrumental in providing support for transgender individuals in many ways. It has opened up opportunities for transgender individuals to receive hormone therapy, Request-A-Cell (RAC) accommodation, and participate in in-person programs and services. If these violations endured by transgender individuals continue, then this progress potentially made in grants of rights to transgender people goes down the drain.
Organizations such as Transgender Equality Network (TEN) have been extremely successful in advocating for these rights, and are a crucial part of the effort to ensure TRADA is respected. TEN has been an active participant in the effort to monitor, document, and highlight cases of prison officials who fail to comply with these laws. Additionally, this organization provides vital legal support for those in need, and has become one of the foremost sources of advice on human and civil rights for transgender people in the US.
It is clear that more steps must be taken in order to ensure that transgender individuals are granted the respect and dignity they are due. Nonetheless, the brighter side of the story is that much progress has been made in the last few years, and TRADA has gone a long way in creating a more inclusive and safer environment for transgender individuals. Hopefully in the near future, prison officials will be held accountable for their actions and will be met with the appropriate course of action every time they are found to be in violation of TRADA.
The Transgender Respect Agency Dignity Act is a crucial step forward in the quest to ensure that transgender individuals are provided with the respect and dignity that they deserve. In spite of the violations that still must be addressed, it is still vital to maintain a positive attitude and continue to call out those who flout the law on technicalities. By working together with organizations such as TEN, together we can create a safer and more inclusive world for all.
