Despite being a trans woman incarcerated in Georgia, life is not easy for me. However, I strive to make the most of each day. I spend time with my friends cooking meals, earning a degree in theological and historical studies, and working as a law clerk in the prison.
To start my day, I woke up in my cell with a bed and a desk. After drinking a bottle of water, I meditated for a few minutes on the floor to ground myself. I have degenerative disk disease and neural foraminal stenosis, so I did some morning stretches.
I then went to the restroom for my morning routine, including a hot shower and my hair and skincare regimen. By 7 a.m., I was ready to start my day.
Leaving the dorm at 7:15 a.m., I worked as a law clerk in the facility’s law library until 3:30 p.m., helping other prisoners with their legal challenges. It’s a fulfilling job that utilizes my legal knowledge and allows me to assist others.
During my eight-hour shift, I also had time for intermittent fasting and had breakfast around 8 or 9 a.m. consisting of oatmeal, trail mix, honey, and a chopped banana obtained from the prison kitchen and food packages ordered by my loved ones.
At 10 a.m., I attended church services in the prison’s chaplaincy space. While I stopped going to church for years, I returned to worship and seek forgiveness. It provides a safe haven in a difficult environment.
As part of my degree program, I spent time reading texts on history, theology, philosophy, and etymology. On this day, I found Catherine Brekus’ “Strangers & Pilgrims” to be an excellent read.
