Trans prison
volunteer acknowledged
Posted in: New
Zealand Daily News
By GayNZ.com Daily News staff - 26th June 2010
|
Gemma Huriwai (HRC) |
A volunteer who supports and mentors transgender prisoners at Mt Eden and
The Department
of Corrections has highlighted the work of transwoman Gemmah Huriwai, who
visits the jails monthly.
Corrections'
Assistant General Manager Brendan Anstiss says Huriwai became involved in
volunteering in prison after realising that existing support for transgender
prisoners was very limited, with many prisoners being disowned by their
families because of their sexuality.
"Prison
volunteers are generous with their time and energy and we want to acknowledge
that this week. Many have careers, families and busy lives of their own, yet
they still find the time and motivation to come into prison and support our
work," says Dr Anstiss.
A Human Rights
Commission profile says Huriwai didn't think she'd be allowed to go back and
help in jail, after spending time in Mt Eden Prison when the street and drugs
were her life. After making some major changes, she decided she wanted to
go back and help - and found nobody elese was working with transgender
prisoners and her efforts were well received.