Why I started the petition to save a trans woman from an all-male prison

In an era of unprecedented victories for LGBT rights, people like Tara Hudson are still suffering at the hands of an outdated judicial system, simply for being who they are

Tara Hudson, 26, from Bath, was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail after admitting assault (BBC)

The idea of sending a woman to an all-male prison sounds like, at best, the plot line of a terrible movie; at worst, a living nightmare. In fact, this is the reality facing 26-year-old Tara Hudson, a transgender woman from Bath.

That is why I and activists from the Bath Gender Equality Network (BGEN), decided to set up a petition to highlight Tara’s case – a petition which, at the time of writing, has garnered over 100,000 signatures in support from the UK and beyond. It is obvious that we are not alone in thinking that this case is a horrendous example of injustice, and one which genuinely endangers the life of a young woman, and others like her.

There must be no uncertainty – Tara's welfare is under incredible strain because of the cruelty of our justice system. Confirming all of our fears – not least her mother Jackie's – it has just been reported that her time in prison has so far consisted of constant and terrifying sexual harassment. She needs help, and she needs it now.

I first heard about Tara’s case via my local paper in Bath, and I knew immediately that the members of the BGEN would want to launch a campaign. We support national campaigns as much as we can, but this was right on our doorstep, and that gave us huge impetus and potential leverage. Within five minutes of my bringing it up to the group, we were formulating a plan – and getting in contact with Tara’s mother, Jackie, to ensure that she was happy for us to move forward with our campaign.

Then, before our eyes, the petition began to spread like wildfire. The response to Tara’s case has been inspiring, and the support overwhelming.

In an era of unprecedented victories for LGBT rights, people like Tara are still paying a high price at the hands of an outdated judicial system, simply for being who they are.

According to one study that took place in the US, a trans woman in an all-male prison is 13 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than in the general population. An average of fifty-nine per cent report sexual assaults. Trans people are also at a much higher risk of mental health issues than the rest of the populace. In 2014, a survey found that 48 per cent of trans people under 26 said they had attempted suicide, and 30 per cent said they had done so in the past year, while 59 per cent said they had at least considered doing so. In comparison, about six per cent of all 16- to 24-year olds say they have attempted suicide.

It is vitally important that a voice is given to the trans community so they're are able to speak out about the issues that affect them. As an ally, I don't have the right to speak on their behalf (and I am aware of how ironic it is that I am currently writing that sentence). But all allies can help ensure the visibility of trans people, while remembering that it's a double-edged sword, which can lead to increased instances of hate and abuse. This isn’t to say that people shouldn’t work to raise visibility, but that they need to be aware of the backlash it will likely cause, and be prepared to support the trans people affected by it

There also tends to be a trend towards granting privilege only to members of the community who fit with the status quo, which favours people who are white, middle-class, English-speaking and able-bodied. We need to work harder so that the door is opened to more than just the handful of "acceptable" trans people.

I’d like to extend my warmest, most heartfelt thank you to the thousands of people who are rallying behind Tara. Please, keep doing what you are doing, and pushing our message as far as it will reach. Our job is not done until Tara is safe.

To sign the petition to remove Tara Hudson from an all-male prison: http://chn.ge/1MvRbJe