Transgender woman removed from dangerous prison following SPLC lawsuit

A transgender woman repeatedly sexually assaulted as she was held in prisons housing Georgia’s most dangerous male felons has been transferred to a medium-security prison – potentially placing her in a safer environment, according to the SPLC, which sued state officials earlier this year over her treatment.

Ashley Diamond was moved to Rutledge State Prison in Columbus earlier this month. Despite her nonviolent offender status, she has been held in a series of prisons for violent offenders during her three years in state custody. She had most recently been held at Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, a prison housing both medium- and maximum-security prisoners.  

“Ashley’s previous placements within the Georgia Department of Corrections left her under the continual threat of harassment and sexual abuse” said Chinyere Ezie, SPLC staff attorney.  “We are hopeful this will be a safer housing option, and continue to focus on Ashley’s care and safety.”

The SPLC lawsuit, which was filed in February and is ongoing, has already sparked new policies for transgender inmates in Georgia’s corrections system. Prison officials also have allowed Diamond to resume the hormone treatment she had been receiving for 17 years before entering prison, although her current dosage is not high enough to provide proper care for her gender dysphoria. She also is not being allowed to outwardly express her gender.