In settlement with transgender woman, New York jail to implement LGBTQ prison reform

A transgender woman in New York has agreed to a landmark settlement that could lead to widespread change in the treatment of incarcerated LGBTQ people at Broome County correctional facilities.

Makyyla Holland, a 25-year-old transgender woman, accused Broome County Jail correctional officers of abuse and discrimination while she was in their custody for six weeks.

As a result of the $140,000 settlement filed on Thursday, Broome County will commit to implementing LGBTI Guidelines for Safe Confinement.

Holland's complaint argued that she was beaten, placed in a men’s housing unit, and denied access to health care. Holland also alleged that she was “routinely harassed and misgendered” and that correctional staff “ignored her repeated pleas for help and for protection from the threats and sexual victimization to which they had exposed her.”