Identifying Barriers to Justice for Transgender Individuals in Detention Settings
Keywords:
Transgender, detention, justice barriers, institutional discrimination, qualitative research, Iran, incarceration, gender identityAbstract
This study aims to identify and explore the barriers to justice faced by transgender individuals detained in correctional facilities in Tehran, focusing on institutional, legal, psychological, and socio-cultural challenges. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 23 transgender individuals who had experienced detention in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software to extract key themes and subthemes regarding barriers to justice within detention settings. Four main themes emerged: (1) institutional discrimination, characterized by misgendering, lack of gender-affirming policies, unsafe housing assignments, medical neglect, and abuse by prison staff; (2) psychological harm and isolation, including identity suppression, social exclusion, retraumatization, and self-harm; (3) structural legal obstacles, such as ambiguous legal recognition, lack of knowledgeable legal counsel, discrimination in judicial hearings, and barriers to updating legal documents; and (4) social and cultural hostility, involving stigmatization by inmates and family rejection, cultural misconceptions, and institutional erasure of transgender identities. Participants reported pervasive denial of rights, exposure to violence, and systemic exclusion that undermined their access to justice and personal dignity. The study highlights the multifaceted and intersecting barriers that impede transgender detainees’ access to justice in Tehran. Institutional policies, legal frameworks, and cultural attitudes collectively contribute to systemic discrimination and psychological distress. To promote equity, reforms in correctional practices, legal representation, healthcare access, and staff training are urgently needed. Further research should extend to diverse populations and include institutional perspectives to inform culturally sensitive interventions.
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