Nevada’s prison system has set placements for all-male and all-female detainee populations. The state’s correctional facilities for women are on par with those for their male counterparts. Apart from a similar level of security and a greater number of female prison staff, detainees also have access to women-only services, like healthcare and pregnancy support.
But what about inmates who do not identify with either demographic? How does Nevada’s prison system handle the needs of, say, trans-women? Let’s take a closer look.
The Selection Process
A future detainee cannot be listed as a trans-woman on a claim alone. This usually needs to be determined through a physical and mental examination. The exams can be handled prior to or immediately after arriving at a prison facility.
Even then, confirming their trans-woman status does not automatically merit a transfer to a different detention center. That decision falls to a non-conforming gender review committee assigned to the case by the Nevada Department of Corrections. The NGRC reviews the inmate’s situation and determines whether or not they should be moved. The situation progresses on a case-by-case basis, and the committee has the right to deny a transfer if they find any discrepancies.
What Trans-Women Get as Prisoners
Trans-women can be allowed to transfer to an all-women’s facility if the committee approves. Like regular female prisoners, trans-women detainees can also wear female prison wear, as well as female prisoner underwear. They also have direct access to women-only hygiene facilities.
In some cases, however, some compromises will be made to keep all prisoners comfortable. For example, a trans-woman detainee may be required to shower separately from other detainees (especially if they are kept in an all-male prison) or moved to a single-person cell.
Trans-Woman Detainee Health
Because of their unique circumstances, trans-woman detainees need a specialized medical program to be able to stay healthy inside prison. A medical provider will create a management plan to support the detainee’s physical and mental health. This specialized medical program often involves:
regular hormone therapy
psychotherapy
regular mental checkups
physical checks
Annual visit from a provider to review their program
Nevada aims to accommodate the needs of its prisoners no matter what background or sexual orientation they may have. Consult your defense lawyer to learn more about what other prisoners you are afforded to you as a detainee in Nevada.