Florida Prison May Deny Inmate’s ‘Social’ Gender Transition (2)

The Florida Department of Corrections convinced the Eleventh Circuit that refusing a transgender inmate’s “social transitioning” requests don’t violate the Eighth Amendment.

Medical experts disagree whether FDC’s denial of Reiyn Keohane’s request to use makeup, grow out her hair, and wear undergarments provided to female inmates, puts her at risk of self-harm or severe psychological pain, Judge Kevin Newsom said for a split panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

A difference in medical opinion can’t be used to support a claim of cruel and unusual punishment, he said for the court.

Keohane has attempted suicide ...