Q&A
Handling of situations involving transgender or intersex individuals
2:15:36
·
122 sec
Council Member Cabán questions DOC officials about their policies and practices regarding transgender and intersex individuals. Key points include:
- DOC's policy on asking transgender or intersex individuals about their genitalia
- Discussion on whether such inquiries would be considered sexual abuse or harassment
- DOC officials' uncertainty about how to classify certain behaviors towards transgender and intersex individuals
- Cabán's frustration with the lack of clear policies and definitions in this area
Tiffany Cabán
2:15:36
I think that's a problem.
2:15:38
Would you would would DOC consider asking a transgender or intersex person about the status of their genitalia as sexual abuse.
James Conroy
2:15:51
We have someone to speak specifically on that issue.
Valerie Greisokh
2:15:55
Good afternoon, council member, Kevan.
2:15:58
Valerie Greisach, assistant commissioner in a division of programs and community partnerships.
2:16:02
We do not ask questions about individuals should I tell you?
Tiffany Cabán
2:16:06
No.
2:16:06
No.
2:16:06
No.
2:16:06
That's not.
2:16:07
That's not that's not what I'm saying.
2:16:08
And, listen, let me tell you that I was a public defender for nearly a decade.
2:16:14
I speak to community members all the time.
2:16:19
There are absolutely instances.
2:16:21
I've heard it myself.
2:16:23
I have heard it myself when correction is moving people at the courthouse from the pens to their appearance.
2:16:32
So it does happen, but that's not my question.
2:16:35
My question is, when it does happen, does the Department of Corrections consider asking a transgender or intersex person about the status of their genitalia sex abuse?
Valerie Greisokh
2:16:48
That's not something that's part of our practice if there's a specific substance when that happens, would be happy to look into it.
Tiffany Cabán
2:16:56
It does happen, and what I'm hearing is that you do not consider it sex abuse.
2:17:00
Do you consider it sexual harassment?
Valerie Greisokh
2:17:03
That's something that would be up to the pre investigation needed to determine what's considered sexual harassment or a sexual assault.
Ingris Martinez
2:17:13
So an allegation of inappropriate comments, allegation of but request to see a particular body body part that is not within the scope of the officer or whoever's duties is counted as sexual harassment and investigated.
Tiffany Cabán
2:17:35
I'm just gonna ask one
Jeanette Merrill
2:17:36
more, and then I'll I'll turn it
Tiffany Cabán
2:17:37
back to you, chair.
