As a survivor of serious sexual abuse, I find talking about sex offenders distressing, so when the case of Isla Bryson (previously known as Adam Graham) became a matter of public discourse, I naturally take the victim’s side.
Graham conveniently started transitioning just before his trial. He (no, I will not use female pronouns) was charged with rape and was held for a spell in the female estate. In my view, that was wrong – no sex offender should ever be held in the female estate, even on remand.
I have no doubt some trans rights activists (tra’s) will criticise my opinions, saying we should all sing from the same hymn book, that Adam is Isla and now trans. But why should the trans community be dumped on by someone who suddenly, rather conveniently, decides he is trans? And for God’s sake, what about the human rights of the victims?
Then up pop’s Rhona Hotchkiss, a former prison governor giving her views to BBC News.
Now Rhona may disagree, but I have never known her to be particularly “trans friendly” – a mate of J K Rowling, who in my opinion has arguably, caused more problems in the UK’s gender war than any other person on earth, and like Rhona, a strong opponent of Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill. However sadly, with trans hate crime in Scotland tripling people need to ask why.
And for sure the principal reason is because of the ongoing media frenzy regarding a tiny minority of trans people – or to be precise trans women.
Rhona said this (bold italics).
“If you can get a Gender Recognition Certificate within three months, lots of male prisoners will do it.”
No, Rhona, you’re mistaken. In England and Wales, section 4.67 of trans prison regulations make it very clear that even with a Gender Recognition Certificate, a trans woman can be held in the male estate. I am sure the Scottish prison service will likely have the same provision; if they don’t, they should.
She added: “We need third units for trans people and they should be in male prisons.”
No, Rhona, you’re mistaken. There are not enough trans people in prison to warrant third units. Nor should all “trans people” be in male prisons. Firstly, most trans men don’t feel safe in male prisons, and there is plenty of evidence that trans women are not safe in them either. In fact, the BBC themselves revealed that a trans woman is sexually abused in the male estate on average every thirty-three days. But nothing like brushing that fact under the carpet for the gender criticals!
Ms Hotchkiss said it was “simply not acceptable” to allow all trans prisoners to go to a jail matching their gender identity.
No, Rhona, you’re mistaken. And if April Ashley (pictured) was still alive and suddenly found her way on her way to prison, do you seriously believe an 88-year-old, stunningly beautiful trans woman should be locked up with men?
I have to say I pretty much agree with the current system the prison service operates. I have grave concerns about the safety of trans women put in the male estate, though, and I feel this needs to be investigated urgently by the Prison Ombudsman.
Does J.K. Rowling care about trans women being beaten and sexually abused by men in the male estate?
She may let me know.
And is it really worth asking Rhona?
She gave her views to the BBC and surely knows what happens to trans women in the male estate, If not I will put her in touch with some ex-offenders.
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