Women protesting the placement of trans-identified males in women’s prisons were met with violence from trans activists yesterday at the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland, California.
Led by author and women’s rights advocate Kara Dansky, the small group peacefully began their protest on the steps of the courthouse, with the women carrying banners which read “No Men in Women’s Prisons” and “Dana Rivers is a Man.” Some of the demonstrators gave speeches on the importance of keeping prisons sex-segregated for the safety and dignity of female inmates.
The women, most of whom were advocates with Women’s Declaration International USA, had gathered specifically to voice opposition to the possibility that biologically male convicted murderer Dana Rivers may be housed in a women’s prison.
Speaking to Reduxx, Women’s Liberation Front founder Lierre Keith says the protest had initially been off to a good start — with members of the public expressing support for the women’s signage. But after the group moved their demonstration to the sidewalk across from the courthouse, black-clad trans activists ambushed them.
“One man rammed into Kara with an umbrella. Others attacked us by slamming things into our faces and heads. Kara also got eggs smashed into her head and body. There’s a photo of actual blood behind her ear from the force.”
“It was over really quickly. These things are a blur in the moment. Another man came at us from the other side on a bicycle, trying to knock women down or scare us. He came very close to seriously injuring women.”