“I Feel Unsafe Here”: Transgender Woman Speaks Out From Men’s Prison

A transgender woman incarcerated in an Ohio men’s prison has spoken publicly about the fear and isolation she says she faces every day behind bars. Her case has reignited a wider debate about how prison systems handle the safety and rights of transgender inmates.

Riicara Janel Dior is serving a long sentence at Grafton Correctional Institution, a facility designated for men. While incarcerated, she began living openly as a woman and was later diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which led to her receiving hormone therapy. After her legal gender marker was changed to female, Dior requested to be transferred to a women’s prison — a request that was denied by state officials.

According to Dior, remaining in a men’s facility has left her feeling constantly vulnerable. She claims she has experienced harassment and says prison officials have failed to provide an environment where she can feel safe. Instead of being transferred after reporting concerns, she says she was placed in isolation, further worsening her mental health.

Dior has filed multiple legal challenges, arguing that housing her in a men’s prison puts her at serious risk and violates her constitutional rights. Her case has moved through the courts and is now part of a broader legal conversation about how states should evaluate placement for transgender prisoners.

Advocates point out that the vast majority of transgender women in the United States are still housed in men’s prisons, despite research showing they face higher risks of abuse and mistreatment. While some states consider gender identity in placement decisions, policies vary widely, and there is no single national standard.

As Dior’s legal battle continues, her story highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding incarceration, safety, and gender identity. It also raises difficult questions about how correctional systems can balance security concerns while protecting the dignity and well-being of all inmates.