SPECIAL/Transgender prison guard finds freedom in move from male to female

[Natasha]

Transgender prison guard finds freedom in move from male to female

http://o.canada.com/2012/07/14/transgender-prison-guard-finds-freedom-in-move-from-male-to-female/
7/14/12
Postmedia News

Coming out as transgender requires courage no matter what the circumstances. But doing it in the testosterone-fuelled environment of the Kingston Pen, the place known as locally as KP or the "Big House," might be considered an exceptional act of bravery.

KP is one of Canada's highest security prisons. It's home to some of the country's most hardened and notorious criminals: Paul Bernardo, Russell Williams, Mohammad and Hamed Shafia — convicted of murdering four family members, and Michael Rafferty, serving a life-sentence for the abduction, rape and murder of eight-year-old Tori Stafford. Almost half of the prison's inmates are serving life sentences.

[michelleinktown]

Here is a story about my life.  The hope is that this lets others come out and not be afraid of who they really are.  You are all beautiful, that is the way it was supposed to be.  It is time now to give the masses the education so they no longer fear us or we fear ourselves.  Share this story and tell people what it is like to be transgendered, be proud, and let us inform them about what it is like to hide who we really are, that is not the way to live.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Changing+guard/6931431/story.html


I hope that link works



Lots of love Michelle

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OTTAWA CITIZEN



Changing of the guard


For two years, Michael Hamelin has supervised inmates at Kingston Penitentiary. Starting next week, Michelle Hamelin will take over the job. Same person, different gender. As LINDY MECHEFSKE reports, in a place full of hardened criminals, it's an exceptionally brave transformation.



By Lindy Mechefske, The Ottawa Citizen July 14, 2012


http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Changing+guard/6931431/story.html



Michelle Hamelin, a transgender person and employee at Kingston Penitentiary pose for a portrait outside the KP in Kingston, Ontario, on July 5, 2012.
Photograph by: Lars Hagberg

KINGSTON, Ont. — Michelle Hamelin, a supply officer at the Kingston Penitentiary, doesn't judge the inmates because, as she says, "They've already been judged by a higher source — a judge and jury, the people qualified for that particular job."

She's likely hoping to be spared some judgment herself.

Next week, Hamelin will announcing her transition from Michael to Michelle, from male to female. She is on the biggest journey of her life, a trip across the Great Gender Divide. The guards, staff and prisoners who knew Michael Hamelin will now have to make a substantial adjustment as they get to know their old supply officer as Michelle Hamelin.

[Jamie D]

Congratulations, Michelle.

Thanks for posting the article.

[Shana A]

Thanks for posting your story, Michelle!

Zythyra, News Admin