Скачать или смотреть Mandi Hauwert: Being A Transgender Correctional Officer In San Quentin

Mandi Hauwert is a Correctional Lieutenant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and the first openly transgender woman to transition while working inside a men’s state prison. With over two decades of experience in corrections, Mandi has become a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in carceral systems, leading trainings, consulting with leadership at CDCR, and speaking publicly about the challenges trans people face behind bars. Her groundbreaking visibility as both a law enforcement officer and trans woman has made her a critical voice in the intersection of criminal justice reform and trans rights.

In this deeply personal conversation, Mandi shares her journey of transitioning while working at San Quentin, navigating a system historically hostile to transgender individuals. She discusses the intense scrutiny, harassment, and bureaucratic resistance she faced—not only from incarcerated individuals but from her own colleagues. The interview delves into her unique role in building safer environments for incarcerated trans women, her work in shaping policy change within CDCR, and her unwavering commitment to showing up visibly for those who often have no advocates inside prison walls. She speaks candidly about the isolation of being the only out trans employee in the department for years and how her presence challenged and ultimately began to change the institution from within.

Episode Outline:

(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:20) Mandi’s Early Career and Entering Corrections
(00:06:45) Coming Out as Trans While Working in a Men’s Prison
(00:11:10) Institutional Resistance and Cultural Backlash
(00:15:30) Building Support Networks Inside and Outside CDCR
(00:20:05) Creating Visibility for Incarcerated Trans Women
(00:24:30) Challenging Gender Norms Within a Hyper-Masculine System
(00:29:10) Policy Changes and Training for Trans Inclusion
(00:33:55) The Emotional and Psychological Cost of Being “The First”
(00:39:20) Finding Purpose in Advocacy and Representation
(00:44:00) Reflections on Safety, Courage, and Change from Within