In under 24 hours 15,000 people sign a petition protesting about the placement of Trans woman Tara Hudson in a male prison to serve out her sentence.
Tara was sentenced to 13 weeks in a male prison in Bristol by Bath Magistrates after pleading guilty to an assault that took place in Bath last December.
Bristol Pride Director Daryn Carter, said: “This is clearly a sensitive issue but there is guidance available from the Home Office on this matter and yet Bath Magistrates have decided to sentence Tara, a women, to a male prison.
“We believe the issue is because Tara may not have a Gender Recognition Certificate but common sense should prevail and has again highlighted the shocking inequality that exists for Trans people.
“The general public can clearly see that Tara does not belong in a male prison so we are calling on Bath Magistrates to use some common sense, regardless of the absence of a certificate.”
Ceri Caramél who organised the online petition, added: “We realise that many of you might want to give support to Tara directly, which is why we’re asking you to send her a letter of encouragement and love.
“We will be gathering all of your kind words, and passing them on to Tara as regularly as we can. This will wonderful for helping Tara not to feel as lonely and isolated as she might otherwise.
“We have been in regular contact with Jackie (Tara’s Mum), who is absolutely overwhelmed and delighted by the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone who has taken the time to sign and share this petition, tweet their support with the #ISeeTara campaign, and contact MPs, journalists and other authority figures to spread the message as far as we can.
“Please, keep on sharing the petition with everyone and anyone that you can, and take a moment to extend your best wishes to Tara via our letter campaign.”
Tara was assigned male at birth but has lived her adult life as a women. She has undergone several chest reconstruction surgeries and takes regular hormone injections.
To send a letter of support to Tara, click here:
To sign the petition, click here:
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