Marius Mason calls for an International Day of Trans Prisoner Support on January 22nd

Press Release - IWW Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, January 1, 2016

Long time IWW member and Green Scare prisoner, Marius Mason, hopes that on January 22nd outside supporters will honor his request for an International Day of Trans Prisoner Support.

Marius is a well known champion of the environment, animal rights, housing rights, and prisoner support, and now, even while imprisoned, he seeks justice and fair treatment for trans prisoners.

As of December 6th, 2015 supporters in San Francisco, Austin, Kansas City, Detroit, New York, and multiple cities in Australia and New Zealand have begun preparing events and actions to start raising awareness about the uniquely horrific conditions trans people face in prison.

Any sort of events are appreciated though core organizers do encourage people to focus more on education in 2016 and then work toward taking action in future years. Education before action is appreciated. For more information, you may contact the Kansas City Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee at gkciww@gmail.com or 816-866-3808.

From Marius mason in a letter dated 08-18-15, "I want to ask you all if you would be willing to host an event on January 22nd, 2016 to support trans prisoners. I want to do something to support other trans folk in prison (especially trans women of color who seem to suffer the most abuse statistically). There are a number of groups who are already doing prisoner support who are willing to host an event this coming year to draw attention to a group of prisoners who could really use some more public attention to their situation. There should be a call out soon both on my site and others but I'd like to ask you personally. It's ok if it's small. It's just the first year we're trying to do it. We get you Black and Pink Newsletters and addresses for people to write to. Not sure if some local queer LGBT space might be willing to donate space for something big like a drag show (friends in Israel did one on June 11th but anything would be awesome). [Friends] are helping to coordinate this and I'll touch back with you if you would be ok with working on it. Well thanks no matter what you decide to do on the event. It's great that you're out there educating and agitating for change and supporting lots of prisoners on the inside of the system like me. Thank you for being there, for you work, and for the encouragement that keeps me going. Write when you can. I'm always thinking about Detroit, my hometown. Until all are free, Marius Mason."