Activists Demand Safe Housing for Trans Woman Zoe Watts in Jail

In a significant show of support, activists and supporters of Zoe Watts, a transgender prisoner, have gathered to advocate for her placement in a women’s prison wing for her safety. The demonstration took place outside Lincoln Crown Court on Monday, January 13, coinciding with Watts' court appearance following her arrest on firearm-related charges.

Background of Zoe Watts’ Case

Watts, a former police community support officer from Lincoln, faces serious allegations, including possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and allegedly manufacturing a firearm. Her situation has brought attention to the issue of housing transgender prisoners appropriately within the UK prison system.

Organized by the activist group Justice4ZoeWatts, the protest highlighted the concerns over Watts’ current incarceration in the men’s wing of HMP Peterborough. Demonstrators expressed their solidarity by banging drums, blowing trumpets, and cheering as Watts was escorted into the courthouse.

Concerns Over Treatment and Safety

A spokesperson for Justice4ZoeWatts explained, "Zoe’s treatment within the prison system underscores two harsh realities. Despite professed policies of inclusivity, the UK government struggles to recognize trans women as women, and fails to treat prisoners with dignity." The group argues that how transgender prisoners are treated reflects broader societal attitudes towards gender non-conforming individuals.

Currently, Watts is confined to her cell for 23 and a half hours daily to ensure her safety, only permitted to leave when other prisoners are locked in their cells. This isolation and mistreatment are reportedly taking a toll on her mental health.

In her statement from custody, Watts claims she has faced aggressive behavior from some prison staff and is frequently misgendered, which exacerbates her distress.

Policy and Legal Considerations

Under UK policies, trans women should be housed in women’s prisons if they possess a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) and are not charged with sexual violence offenses. Watts has a GRC and is legally recognized as female, with a corresponding birth certificate, yet she remains in a male prison environment.

Watts emphasized the broader implications of her case, stating, "This issue goes beyond my personal situation; it potentially affects all transgender and non-binary individuals reliant on dated classifications that lag behind societal progress."

Voices of Advocacy and Solidarity

The protest saw participation from notable advocates, including Sarah Jane Baker, a transgender former prisoner and author. Baker, who experienced similar challenges during her incarceration, stressed, "This isn’t solely about Zoe Watts. It’s about the unjust treatment of a legally recognized woman held in a male prison, driven not by law but politics."

Baker’s experiences included being denied hormone treatments and receiving testosterone, which activists argue effectively forced her into a "medical detransition."

During the court proceedings, no plea was entered by Watts. Judge Simon Hirst remanded her in custody, with the next court date set for February 13. Advocates continue to push for her transfer to a women’s prison where her rights and well-being would be better protected.

Efforts to reach HMP Peterborough for comment on Watts’ situation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The rally reflects a growing movement demanding fair treatment and housing for transgender individuals in the prison system, aligning with broader calls for LGBTQ+ rights and prison reform.