In a groundbreaking development, Makyyla Holland, a 25-year-old trans woman, has emerged victorious in a legal struggle that has not only secured her justice but has also led to significant policy reforms benefiting trans inmates. The legal ordeal began in 2022 when Holland filed a lawsuit against Broome County, New York, recounting a harrowing experience of violence, discrimination, and denial of essential medical treatment during her six-week incarceration in 2021.
The lawsuit highlighted distressing instances of Holland being subjected to physical abuse, misgendering, and the withholding of vital antidepressants and hormone therapy while in custody. Her story served as a stark reminder of the injustices often faced by trans individuals within correctional systems. Corrections officers, by discriminating against her based on her transgender identity, subjected Holland to unlawful strip searches, physical assault, and placement alongside male inmates, all while enduring harassment from fellow detainees.
The outcome of the legal battle represents a significant turning point, with Makyyla Holland securing a $160,000 settlement for the suffering she endured at Broome County Jail. More than just financial compensation, the settlement’s broader impact lies in the establishment of new policies that affirm the rights of trans people held in custody. The reforms ensure that the names and pronouns of trans inmates are respected, while housing arrangements align with their gender identity. Further, trans individuals will be granted access to gender-appropriate clothing and toiletries, alongside non-discriminatory medical care.
Makyyla Holland’s triumph resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, as it signifies a step towards safeguarding the dignity and well-being of trans individuals within the justice system. Fred Akshar, Broome County’s sheriff, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing its role in modernizing policies to cater to the diverse needs of the county’s residents. With LGBTQ+ guidelines for staff, the county aims to foster a safer, more inclusive environment.
Shayna Medley, a senior litigation staff attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, asserted the imperative of such policies, especially during a time of heightened vulnerability for the transgender community. Holland’s courage and determination have amplified the call for protective measures for trans individuals in custody. This landmark settlement resonates as a beacon of hope, resonating beyond the borders of Broome County, extending its influence to inspire broader changes nationwide.
Bobby Hodgson, the director of LGBTQ Rights Litigation at the New York Civil Liberties Union, underscored the pervasive nature of mistreatment endured by transgender women within jails and prisons. Acknowledging the transformative impact of the settlement, Hodgson declared that it has established a new standard, laying the foundation for comprehensive reforms across New York State. Thanks to the perseverance of individuals like Makyyla Holland, the fight for equality, dignity, and justice for trans individuals continues, igniting a beacon of hope in a challenging landscape.
