N. Carolina transgender inmate denied move to women's prison
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A transgender woman convicted of insurance fraud is serving time at a men's prison in North Carolina despite her repeated requests to transfer to women's housing.
The News and Observer reports 37-year-old Kanautica Zayre-Brown is believed to be the state's only post-operative transgender prisoner. But the state recognizes her as a man and by her birth name, which was legally changed.
Imprisoned as a habitual felon in 2017, Zayre-Brown is serving up to 9 years and 11 months. She showers and changes in front of male inmates, despite having breasts and sex reassignment surgery. She says constantly fears being assaulted.
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The state Department of Public Safety adopted a policy last year entitling transgender inmates to possible services including gender-appropriate housing. Department spokesman Jerry Higgins says the case is under review.
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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com