Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

54040.4.1 Communication and Pronoun Usage with Transgender Inmates

• The language used by staff toward inmates helps to create a culture of safety and respect and can impact the emotional well-being of inmates, including transgender inmates. 

• When communicating with a transgender inmate, there are acceptable methods for addressing the transgender inmate.  These are:

  • Use of gender-neutral language which means referring to them by the legal last name such as “inmate Jones” or “inmate Smith” or simply by the term “inmate”.

  • Use of the preferred pronoun, if staff is aware of the preference of the inmate.  These pronouns would be “she” and “her” for a transgender woman and “he” and “him” for a transgender man.

• The type of prohibited discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory behavior which may be found to constitute a violation of CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s PREA policy includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bullying or abusive conduct, including repeated infliction of verbal abuse and use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets.

  • Repeatedly calling a transgender inmate by the wrong pronouns or name, after the transgender inmate has provided notice of his or her gender identity to staff.