Canada: British trans woman ‘detained in men’s jail’ after visa violation
A British trans woman has been detained in a men’s jail in Canada after a visa dispute.
Avery Edison, a stand-up comedian, was attempting to enter the country for three weeks to visit her partner, but was denied entry due to overstaying her student visa in September.
Live tweeting her experience, she reported that the customs officials used male pronouns, despite her having a valid female passport, and flip-flopped several times on which gender detention facility to send her to, before sending her to a men’s jail.
Staff were apparently unaware that she was live-tweeting her experience across several hours.
Initial interviewing officer is telling another about my depression, keeps switching he/she. MY PASSPORT IS FEMALE.
— Avery Edison (@aedison) February 11, 2014
My case is being referred to a hearing. I am being taken to an immigration detention centre. Just been read rights. In washroom crying.
— Avery Edison (@aedison) February 11, 2014
“I have one male for pick-up, and it’s for a wet cell.” – Officer talking to detention centre about me on the phone.
— Avery Edison (@aedison) February 11, 2014
Like, c’mon guys, maybe take a break from misgendering me, and search my name and realize I’m telling everyone how awful you are.
— Avery Edison (@aedison) February 11, 2014
Change of plan AGAIN. Will be moved, soon, to Maplehurst correctional facility and assessed by a nurse before placed in male or female cell.
— Avery Edison (@aedison) February 11, 2014
Her partner, RahRah Templeton, later confirmed that Avery had been moved from the immigration detention centre to a men’s jail, and was being misgendered by prison guards.
On way to Maplehurst Men’s Prison to see @aedison updates coming soon.
— rahrah (@rahrahtempleton) February 11, 2014
.@aedison she thanks you and wants you to know she’s scared, but ok. They refuse to gender her properly, but otherwise are treating her well
— rahrah (@rahrahtempleton) February 11, 2014
After internet backlash, Edison is due to be moved to a female correctional facility.
Her initial hearing is later this morning, and she could be sent back to the UK.
