For Jennifer Love Williams, the challenges of being a transgender woman in the criminal legal system became evident at age 24, with her first public defender. Initially friendly, his demeanor transformed once he noticed the name on Williams’ documents did not match her appearance.
Later, in her 30s, Williams spent six years in New Jersey corrections facilities, where, she said, officers and staff placed her in solitary confinement, called her derogatory names, mocked her appearance or berated her for not wearing a bra.