Kelsie Chesnut works as a principal research associate with Vera's Unlocking Potential and Opening Doors initiatives where her research has focused on expanding access to postsecondary education in prison, increasing economic mobility among formerly incarcerated people and connecting people returning to their communities with housing. Her research has also focused on solitary confinement reform, improving conditions of confinement, and reentry program evaluation. Kelsie holds a BA in sociology and criminal justice from San Francisco State University, and an MA in social ecology and a PhD in criminology, law and society from University of California, Irvine.
Courses
Understanding the Unique Needs and Experiences of Incarcerated LGBTQ People
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 2-3pm ET
Only 0.6% of the adult U.S. population—about 1.4 million people—are transgender, yet transgender people are significantly overrepresented in jails and prisons. Once incarcerated, PREA recognizes that LGBTQ+ people are particularly vulnerable and at heightened risk for sexual assault, abuse, and repeated trauma. Their placement and housing within a correctional setting is determined based on the gender they were assigned at birth, rather than placing transgender individuals in facilities that correspond to their gender identity. As a result, incarcerated transgender and other LGBTQ+ individuals are often housed in a manner that compromises their safety and well-being and jeopardizes their daily access to programs and services—including extensive segregation and use of solitary “protective custody” confinement.
NOTE: This course will be held live only, it is not being recorded.