Social Media Thunderclap Planned in Solidarity with Transgender Prisoners

On the 27th of November over 100 social media accounts will post, tweet, and share the same hashtag, #transsolidarity, reaching over 140,000 people.

The 'thunderclap' as it's called is being organised by an international committee of transgender people and allies, and is led by transgender prisoners themselves, and is happening in advance of an international day of solidarity with transgender prisoners happening on January 22nd 2016.

The grassroots project was initiated by Marius Mason, a trans prisoner in Texas, US, and is being lead by trans prisoners and their supporters from around the world. It is a chance for those on the outside to remember those behind bars, give real solidarity and support and raise awareness about issues facing trans prisoners. It is a chance for those on the inside to have a voice and organise together.

"As queers we know the terror of scrutiny, disgust and isolation; we have all be denied the ability to live our lives," the movement's spokesperson said. "For trans people in prison, those problems are doubled by the physical and emotional restraints of a literal cage."

Aotearoa's Department of Corrections regularly places transgender prisoners in incorrect and dangerous facilities, as highlighted this year by trans prison activist group No Pride in Prisons.

There are 20 transgender prisoners in Aotearoa's facilities, according to Corrections' deputy national commissioner Rachel Leota in October.

Supporters of the movement can still add their name and social media accounts to the Thunderclap, happening on the 27th at 5pm EST - that's 11am on Saturday in New Zealand, by going to https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/34988-trans-prisoner-solidarity?locale=en.

More info on the International Day of Solidarity is available at transprisoners.net

ENDS

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