A Look At Transgender Discrimination in Criminal Justice System and Beyond

A few weeks ago, a 28-year-old black woman named Lea Daye died, while being held at the Cuyahoga County jail. Daye, who identified as a transgender woman, was living in the part of the jail that held men, even though she was using hormone replacement therapy, and in the process of transitioning. 

Daye was homeless at the time of her arrest, and would often stay at the 2100 Men's Shelter. Her mother, Felicia Daye told cleveland.comthat being bullied for being different was frequent, even as a child. 

Cuyahoga County has not released many details about Lea Daye's death, and the Medical Examiner's Office and the Sheriff's Department Detective Bureau are investigating the death, but there was outcry from local LGBT groups when her death was announced.... because County officials had misgendered Daye, as male.

Earlier this month, four local organizations held a news conference surrounding Daye's death --- and called out the injustice that many LGBTQ-plus people face in the areas of the criminal justice system, housing and more. And they say that Ohio is one of the worst states for transgendered people to live.

Some of you may find the subject difficult, but it's important that we learn more about the issues facing transgender individuals. Joining us for the discussion is Devinity Jones, Trans Wellness Program Director at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Also, Kate Mozynski, Legal Clinic Staff Attorney covering Northeast Ohio area for Equality Ohio. And Taylor Haggerty, an ideastream reporter who covered the informational news conference. 

Also this hour, we get an update on the wildfires in Oregon from former WCPN reporter, Brian Bull, who works at KLCC in Oregon now. 

-Brian Bull, Reporter, KLCC

-Taylor Haggerty, Reporter, ideastream  

-Devinity Jones, Trans Wellness Program Director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland 

-Kate Mozynski, Legal Clinic Staff Attorney covering Northeast Ohio area, Equality Ohio