Prison for Transsexual Inmates to Open Soon in Italy

February 01, 2010

Security guards in Italy are currently undergoing training for a new prison facility set to open in March that will exclusively house transgender inmates, all in an effort to create a safe space for those who face difficulties in mainstream prisons because of their gender. 

Facing constant harassment by both male and female inmates in Italy’s mainstream prisons, about 30 prisoners will be transported to the new facility near Empoli, in Tuscany.

The facility comes equipped with a library, sports field, a recreation centre, and even land to cultivate wine and oil.

Activists praise the government’s move to segregate the inmates. The head of the Italian Movement for Transgender Identity, Regina Satariano, hailed the move.

"It's a great idea. It will not be a ghetto but a way to avoid the experience of isolation in ordinary prisons."

Former MP Vladimir Luxuria – the country’s most well known transsexual – also praised the government’s decision, saying the inmates can serve their time without persecution for their sexual identity.

"It's a question of dignity," she said.

Most of the transgender inmates are serving time for drugs use and prostitution.

Despite the feat for the transgender community, Italy lags behind much of Western Europe on the issue of LGBT rights, with the current government of Silvio Berlusconi refusing to recognize any form of same-sex relationship.