Surveys and
other studies show that transgender people across the country face particularly harsh treatment in the criminal justice system. When incarcerated, they are often housed according to the sex they were assigned at birth and report being provided with substandard medical care. They are also
far more likely than other prisoners to be held in solitary confinement, which prisons often say is for their protection.
Ms. Tasaki said at times she had been held in isolation and was not permitted to bathe.
Under a new policy enacted in Florida last fall, prison officials forced transgender women to cut their hair, surrender their bras and overcome much tougher requirements to obtain gender transition-related treatment, according to
a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.