Christina Lynch is a trans woman in prison. Christina Lynch
- I’m an incarcerated trans woman in Georgia, but I’m trying to make the best of it.
- In the mornings I work as a court clerk, helping other prisoners with their cases.
- In the evenings I cook dinner with my friends and we dream about life outside of prison.
As an incarcerated trans woman in Georgia, my life is certainly not rosy, but I strive to make each day meaningful. Between cooking with my buddies, getting my degree in history and religion, and working as a prison clerk, I’m trying to stay focused.
Despite the difficult circumstances of my incarceration, I’ve found ways to stay grounded behind bars and make a small difference in the lives of others.
This is what a typical day in my life looks like.
On a random Monday in April, my day started early – around 4:45 am
I woke up in my cell, which has a bed and a desk. I finished a bottle of water and then took a few minutes to meditate on the floor of my cell. I have degenerative disc disease and neural foraminal stenosis, so I did my morning stretches.
Then I used the early morning rest on the toilet. I took a hot shower and then finished my hair and skin care routine.
I’m usually done with my morning wash and ready for the rest of my day by 7am
After my morning routine, I went to my work in the law library
I left the dormitory at 7:15 am to work as a paralegal in the facility’s law library, helping other inmates with their civil and criminal justice challenges. It is a fulfilling job that allows me to use my legal knowledge to help others.
I worked an eight-hour shift in the law library from about 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. During that time, my duties included helping other prisoners understand portions of the law, drafting briefs for their cases, and providing guidance on procedure. My other duties are mainly clerical and consist of tasks such as handing out supplies and taking inventory.
While at work, I had a quick breakfast and went to the prison church
For the past year, I’ve been using intermittent fasting to lose a little weight. I had my breakfast around 8 or 9 which consisted of oatmeal, trail mix, honey and a chopped banana. I got the banana from the prison kitchen and the other items from the monthly food packages my loved ones order for me.
At 10 a.m. I went to church. The prison holds several services in its chaplaincy room. I usually attend the non-denominational services.
I grew up attending church regularly, but stayed away for years because of the hurts I experienced in my life. Now that I’m in prison, I go back to church to worship and be forgiven. It’s a safe haven in a stormy place.
After work, I concentrated on my many studies
As part of my studies I have to read texts from history, theology, philosophy and etymology. That day I read Catherine Brekus’ Strangers & Pilgrims and thought it was excellent.
I studied in my cell. I have asked to be able to study in the education department where students work on their GEDs but permission was denied. Unfortunately, prison officials are not very supportive of my academic endeavors.
I then found some time to practice my Spanish. Learning a language is fun and helps keep my mind sharp. It also gives me the opportunity to socialize with other prisoners as there is a small group that I study with.
Then I had lunch, which consisted of Diet Coke and a cup of soup
I ate lunch at my desk in my cell while listening to my Spanish language CD and then NPR.
For dinner, my friends and I threw together some things from the dresser: some ramen soups, chopped sausage, peppers, and an onion. These are the staples of a prison diet, making dinner both tastier and more hygienic than what’s served in the chow hall.
After dinner, I caught up with my buddies while watching the news
My friends and I debated politics and politics which lasted for a few hours.
A friend and I then went for a walk and whispered about boys. We cackled and dreamed of a day when our freedom would be restored. During this conversation, the possibilities for a better day seemed so real to both of us.
For a moment we forgot where we were and how crappy it was.
By 8pm I was ready to end the day and do my nightly routine
As is customary, I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I apply lotion and moisturizer and after applying cocoa butter under my eyes, I apply petroleum jelly to my lips. Then I performed my evening prayers.
By 8:30 am I was sound asleep: another day over and over, another day closer to my discharge.
Overall, my life as a trans woman in a Georgia prison is complex and challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and self-improvement. By focusing on my studies and building strong relationships with others, I can thrive despite the circumstances.
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