Transgender Texas prison inmates can start hormone therapy

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A change in Texas prison system policy means transgender inmates can start hormone therapy while behind bars after a confirmed diagnosis.

The Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/1PoNGk7 ) reported Thursday that previous Texas Department of Criminal Justice policy said only transgender inmates who entered the system already taking hormones could continue to do so.

TDCJ spokesman Jason Clark says offenders are prescribed hormone therapy only after a rigorous assessment. That includes reviews by a gender dysphoria specialist, an endocrinologist and having an affirmative diagnosis.

The policy change took effect last August.

Attorney Demoya Gordon with Lambda Legal — specializing in lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender issues — welcomed the policy shift. Gordon also raised concerns about respecting the constitutional rights of transgender people.

The Texas prison system does not offer sex reassignment surgery.

Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 1/5/2016 @ 2:37 PM CST