Title: The Shift Away from LGBTQ Safety Standards in Prisons: Implications and Perspectives The recent decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop evaluating prisons and jails using standards designed to protect transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people from sexual violence is a significant step back for prison safety. This move comes as part of an internal memo obtained by NPR that reveals the DOJ’s intention to revise federal standards related to the 2003 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in order to align with President Trump’s executive order on “gender ideology extremism.” The PREA was established to address the issue of sexual violence in prisons and jails, recognizing that certain populations are more vulnerable than others. By specifically designing standards for LGBTQ and intersex individuals, it aimed to provide a safer environment for these groups within detention centers. However, with this new directive from the DOJ, facilities such as federal prisons, state prisons and jails, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention centers will no longer be inspected using these standards designed to keep LGBTQ and intersex people safe. This decision has significant implications for the safety of transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals in prison settings. Data shows that this population is uniquely vulnerable to attacks while incarcerated, making it crucial for them to have specific protections in place. Advocates argue that removing these standards will put such people at even greater risk of sexual violence within detention centers. Moreover, this move by the DOJ aligns with other policy decisions made under President Trump’s administration that remove legal protections for transgender individuals – particularly those who are incarcerated. In his first few days in office, Trump upended long-standing federal policies allowing incarcerated trans women to be housed in facilities that align with their gender identity. As we consider the implications of this decision, it is essential to recognize its significance within a broader context of shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ rights and protections under the current administration. While there have been some positive developments in recent years regarding recognition and acceptance of transgender individuals, decisions like these serve as reminders that much work remains to be done in ensuring equal treatment and safety for all members of our society – even those behind bars. In conclusion, the DOJ’s decision to stop evaluating prisons using standards designed to protect LGBTQ and intersex people from sexual violence is a concerning step back for prison safety. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals in detention centers and underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for these vulnerable populations.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5630490/prison-doj-safety-memo-changes-trans-lgbtq-inmates)
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