A trans woman who self-identifies as Ali Miles, also known as Dylan Miles, is pursuing a legal case against the City of New York, seeking compensation exceeding $22,000,000. This legal action stems from her placement in a male prison despite her transgender status.
Born biologically male, Miles is in the process of transitioning into a woman. During the period of June to July 2022, the inmate was held at the George R. Vierno Center on Rikers Island, awaiting transfer to Arizona to face domestic violence charges.
According to legal documents, the lawsuit contends that Miles was placed in a male detention center. This is contrary to a court order directing her placement in a female unit. Upon realizing the mistake upon entering the facility, Ali Miles experienced shock, panic, and fright.
Miles actively sought accommodation as an LGBTQIA+ individual undergoing gender transition, emphasizing the inappropriateness of being housed in a male-population jail. Despite Miles’ pleas, a staff member callously responded, “We don’t do the trans thing here.”
The legal filing further details instances of discrimination, assault, and human rights violations during Miles’ time in the facility. Notably, upon Miles’ arrival, a male guard conducted a strip search, which is typically a female guard’s responsibility.
Subsequently, in Arizona, Miles faced a trial resulting in convictions for disorderly conduct, harassment, aggravated harassment, false reporting to law enforcement, and threatening or intimidating behavior.
Ali Miles received a 312-day jail sentence and three years of supervised probation.
This lawsuit is part of a series of legal actions initiated by Miles over the years, targeting entities such as a tourism company, a yoga studio, Bagel Point, Planet Fitness, and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
All previous cases alleging gender discrimination were dismissed.
The upcoming hearing for the lawsuit against the City of New York is scheduled for February 22.
Source: https://www.gbnews.com/news/us/trans-woman-sues-new-york-male-prison
Related stories: Washington Strikes Agreement to Improve Transgender Prisoner Conditions, Georgia pressed to fund gender transition for a prisoner