People Against Prisons Aotearoa

Abolitionist Demand 35: Allow all prisoners access to the underwear, other clothing, and makeup of their choice.

This is a part of No Pride in Prisons’ Abolitionist demands. These demands were originally published as a book. To see a pdf of the book, click here. To buy a copy, please email info@noprideinprisons.org.nz

Incarcerated people should be able to present themselves in ways that affirm their sense of their gender. The Department of Corrections must take steps to ensure the provision of gender-affirming items, such as clothing and makeup, to all prisoners. Currently there is a disparity in the availability of these items between women’s and men’s prisons.^[1] For example, people incarcerated in men’s prisons are often denied access to items such as makeup, emery boards, tweezers, and facial wash, which are otherwise available in women’s prisons.^[2] There are also differences between the prison-issued clothing available in women’s and men’s prisons, specifically in terms of the undergarments provided to incarcerated people.^[3] The undergarments issued in women’s prisons should also be available in men’s prisons, and vice versa, for those who want to wear them. The Department of Corrections must acknowledge the importance of gender-affirming practices and presentations, such as dress and personal grooming, and must act to ensure that all incarcerated people have access to the items necessary to perform them.

^[1] Jeremy Lightfoot, “C76665 S Vella,” FYI.org.nz, 29 April 2016. https://www.fyi.org.nz/request/3703/response/12759/attach/html/3/C76665%20S%20Vella.pdf.html.

^[2] Department of Corrections, “Women’s Canteen List,” Department of Corrections, 31 January 2016. http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/459766/F.05.Sch.04-Sample-canteen-list-womens-v.06-030214.pdf.

^[3] Anna Pearson, “Female Inmates Can Glam Up in Prison,” Stuff, 1 January 2014. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9567926/Female-inmates-can-glam-up-in-prison.