John and Georgia Department of Corrections issued a joint statement calling for equal rights of transgender inmates . 'Transgender women in male prisons have an equal right to protection from violence and abuse in prison , and yet they continue to face horrific injustices , ' statement read in part . Southern Poverty Law Center in February filed sued Stipe on behalf of Ashley Diamond , a transgender woman . Diamond , 36 , identifies as a woman and has been taking hormones since age 17 . Claims lack of medical attention has harmed her transition process .
John and Stipe issued a joint statement calling for equal rights of transgender inmates . 'Transgender women in male prisons have an equal right to protection from violence and abuse in prison , and yet they continue to face horrific injustices , ' statement read in part . Southern Poverty Law Center in February filed sued Georgia Department of Corrections on behalf of Ashley Diamond , a transgender woman . Diamond , 36 , identifies as a woman and has been taking hormones since age 17 . Claims lack of medical attention has harmed her transition process .