I spent the last 21 years in prison for three strikes burglary. Being the positive person I am now has met a lot of challenges along the way. The bullying, verbal and physical abuse has been overwhelming at times. The fact that being trans female has been a blessing. It has given me a voice for those who are silent, and I’ve learned the only way to teach others is to have the conversation. I want the same that everyone else wants: respect, kindness, and love. So, I apply myself in groups at CMF that are all male, so I can make a difference. The only way to make a difference is to be different. My outside study group allows me to speak to others inside CMF about LGBT issues. Being an advocate means you can’t take a day off or be passive with what you are passionate about.
Staying busy with creating essays and articles about life in here will help me be a more productive person when released. Rather than staying sorry for myself, I encourage everyone in here to find ways to better their life and the lives of others. Again, change begins with conversation. You don’t know what you will get till you try. We all have to find what makes us happy in such a strong world. I choose to be a positive role model for the LGBT’s in CMF.
Though it hasn’t been easy in prison, I have survived because I know who I am and what I can do to make a difference so everyone can find something good about themselves and pass it on to others. Learn, grow, teach. Allow yourself to see the beauty in your freedom. Lisa Strawn, S T R A W N 301271 CMF Vacaville. “Struggle to Survival.”
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
