Letters from our Inside Family

Dear Black and Pink, I’m Abby and I was hoping to vent with others who can understand my situation. Long story short, my issues can primarily be traced back to being trans since I was a child but not understanding myself (with no help from the system I might add). I’ve used my time here to grow into the person I want to be.

Part of my journey has been accepting and exploring my sexuality, (I was a virgin when I came to prison). It was a little rocky in the beginning but it led me to the man I hope to spend the rest of my life with. Recently he was transfered for reasons unrelated to our relationship and I’ve been unable to receive his mail. Going from seeing him everyday to being unable to hear from him is unbearable some days. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel when we can be together again though. I just hope he stays safe and healthy and happy in this environment which prioritizes none of these things.

With love, Abby (PA) about, knowing who I am, free to sparkle with this new true life and free to ride the Ferris wheel of life at my own pace. I will be frank in saying it was hard to do. Society tries to put you in a box but, like me, you can overcome. I hope my experience can be a ray of sunshine to anyone who is struggling. You are strong! Just in case you don’t think you are, just know I didn’t think I could do it. I believe in you!

-Cassie (formerly known as Casper), VA life can be!

In love and life, James W. (TX)

*content warning: transphobia, assault and abuse*

Dear Black and Pink,

So I recently came out, but it wasn’t for others. It was more of an inner spiritual coming out, coming to terms with who I really am - a transgender woman. I now feel free to dash

To my Black and Pink Family,

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your support and encouraging words! Getting through my last four years has been a trial, some a lot less than others. As I get ready to go home, know this. I will pick up the fight for our community! We can never have enough voices. So many of you have given me strength, hope and courage. Your stories and lives gave me focus and drive! You ARE LOVED! You ARE HEARD! Never give up! Every one of us deserve love.

I want to say thank you to the staff and volunteers for making this possible for us. Thank you to/for the PenPal program, it helps so much! Now is the time, this is not the end ... This is a new place to begin ... Open your eyes, listen and see, just how blessed your

This is the second issue that I have done for y’all. My name is Ahnay. I am a trans female at my target goal on hormones. At this moment, I’m paying a political debt to the state of Indiana. I have been incarcerated for seven years and have about four to go.

This year has been the worst year ever. Staff and inmates seem to be a lot more hateful and vindictive to me and my sisters. I have been assaulted, robbed, even bullied for sex. :( It’s a sad, sad story that I would try to tell but not today. Instead I want to give shout outs to all my trans brothers and trans sisters, inside and outside. One thing I know that we can all relate to is this ...

All of the mean hateful words, violence, fear, stares, from our bosses, the police, correctional staff, authority figures and sadly even some of our own family members. That shit hurts. It truly does. And it’s scary to face but dig it. All of the pain and fear I feel from these judgmental people does not hurt even half as bad as hiding who I truly am or who you are. Real shit y’all.