John and Stipe issued a joint statement calling for equal rights of transgender inmates . ' The two men were released from prison in May after serving time on federal drug charges. 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 .
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 .