In a historic victory for transgender rights, DeAnna LeTray, a transgender woman from Watertown, New York, has reached a groundbreaking settlement with the Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The agreement comes after a 2021 lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and Legal Services of Central New York (LSCNY), alleging discrimination and abuse while LeTray was in custody due to her gender identity.
“I was abused because of who I am by those who were supposed to protect me, and I don’t wish that on anyone,” LeTray expressed in a heartfelt statement. “These settlements make me feel heard and will allow me to move forward with my life, despite the trauma I endured. Most importantly, they will put other counties and police departments on notice so that the abuse I endured never happens to anyone again.”
The incident that led to this settlement occurred in September 2017. LeTray called the police during a domestic dispute at her home, seeking assistance. Instead of receiving help, she was met with hostility and discrimination. Officers allegedly misgendered her, made derogatory comments about her appearance, and stated, “We can’t let you walk the streets looking and dressed like a woman.” They proceeded to arrest her, remove her wig, and subject her to invasive and humiliating searches.
“That night completely changed my life,” LeTray recalled. “When I was in the jail cell after the assault, I wanted to die. That’s how horrible it was.”
In response to her traumatic experience, LeTray, supported by the NYCLU and LSCNY, filed a federal lawsuit in 2021 against both law enforcement agencies. The suit accused the Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office of violating her civil rights through sexual assault, illegal strip searches, and discrimination based on her gender identity.
“Nobody should be subjected to the abuse and discrimination Ms. LeTray suffered at the hands of law enforcement,” said Josh Cotter, staff attorney at Legal Services of Central New York. “We are pleased Jefferson County and the City of Watertown have now adopted policies to protect trans people in their custody.”
Comprehensive Policy Changes
Besides the $7,500 monetary payment, the settlements compel both the Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Correctional Facility to implement wide-ranging policy changes aimed at protecting transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals. These changes are designed to prevent future incidents of discrimination and abuse.
Watertown Police Department Commitments:
- Adoption of Clear Guidelines: The department will establish protocols to ensure the respectful treatment of TGNCNBI people, including the appropriate use of names, titles, and pronouns.
- Respectful Procedures: Transportation, searches, and booking processes will be conducted in a manner that respects an individual’s gender identity.
- Accountability Measures: There will be mandatory disciplinary actions against officers who are found to have engaged in gender-based discriminatory profiling.
Jefferson County Correctional Facility Commitments:
- Housing Policies: TGNCNBI individuals will be housed in facilities consistent with their gender identity, with limited exceptions for safety considerations.
- Search and Respect Protocols: Searches will be conducted in alignment with an individual’s gender identity, and staff will be trained to respect preferred names and pronouns.
- Healthcare Access: The facility will ensure access to medical and mental healthcare without discrimination, including treatments for gender dysphoria and the provision of gender-affirming items.
“Today’s settlements, like others we have achieved in recent years, make it abundantly clear that New York jails and police departments have an obligation to treat transgender people in their custody with dignity,” stated JP Perry, senior staff attorney at the NYCLU. “No one should ever experience what Ms. LeTray went through. Yet, her story is tragically emblematic of the ordeal faced by many trans people throughout our state.”
A Broader Impact on Transgender Rights
The significance of this settlement extends beyond Watertown and Jefferson County. It sets a precedent for law enforcement agencies across New York State and potentially the nation. The case highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how law enforcement interacts with TGNCNBI individuals.
“As attacks against LGBTQ people are on the rise nationwide, we urge all counties and cities across New York to follow suit, adopt similar policies, and protect trans people in their care,” Perry added.
The settlement aligns with legislative efforts to protect the rights of transgender individuals in custody. State Senator Julia Salazar has sponsored a bill that would require correctional facilities across New York to implement policies similar to those agreed upon in Jefferson County.
“The resurgence of anti-trans rhetoric, inspired in part by national politics, has made reform even more urgent,” Senator Salazar commented. She emphasized the interconnectedness of fights for fundamental rights, stating, “These fights are inextricably linked.”
LeTray’s courage in standing up against the injustice she faced serves as an inspiration to many within the transgender community and their allies. Her actions have not only brought her personal vindication but have also initiated changes that will protect others from similar mistreatment.
“These settlements make me feel heard and will allow me to move forward with my life,” LeTray affirmed. “I hope that by bringing this issue to light, it will prevent others from experiencing the same trauma.”
Community Response
The settlement has been met with a mix of relief and cautious optimism within the transgender community and among advocacy groups.
“This is a significant step forward,” said Alex Martinez, a local transgender rights activist. “But we must remain vigilant to ensure that these policies are effectively implemented and that true cultural change occurs within law enforcement agencies.”
Families and allies of transgender individuals also see this as a moment of progress.
“As a parent of a transgender teen, stories like DeAnna’s are both terrifying and motivating,” shared Maria Thompson, a mother and advocate. “We need to support and protect our loved ones, and this settlement gives me hope that institutions are beginning to understand their responsibilities.”
While the policy changes are a positive development, their success hinges on proper implementation and training within the police department and correctional facility.
“Policy changes on paper are a start, but without thorough training and a shift in organizational culture, they won’t have the desired impact,” cautioned Dr. Samuel Greene, a sociologist specializing in law enforcement practices. “It’s crucial that officers and staff receive comprehensive education on transgender issues and the importance of respecting everyone’s identity.”
National Context and Rising Concerns
This settlement comes at a time when transgender rights are under increased scrutiny and attack across the United States. According to reports from various human rights organizations, there has been a surge in legislation and policies targeting the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals.
“DeAnna’s case is not an isolated incident,” noted Karen Phillips, director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. “Transgender people, especially women of color, face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. Legal victories like this are essential, but we also need broader societal change.”
For LeTray, the settlement is a step toward healing, but the memories of that night remain a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
“I can’t change what happened to me, but I can use my experience to advocate for others,” she said. “No one should have to go through what I did just because of who they are.”
Her attorneys and supporters echo this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and legal action to protect the rights of transgender individuals.
“We encourage all law enforcement throughout the state to adopt similar policies,” Cotter stated. “And we will continue to hold institutions accountable when they fail to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals.”
The Bottom Line
The settlement between DeAnna LeTray and the Watertown Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office represents a significant milestone in the fight for transgender rights and equality. It underscores the necessity for law enforcement agencies to recognize and respect the identities of all individuals they serve and to implement policies that prevent discrimination and abuse.
As communities across New York and the nation grapple with issues of justice and equality, stories like LeTray’s highlight both the challenges that remain and the potential for meaningful change when individuals stand up against injustice.
This case serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope. It illustrates the harsh realities that transgender individuals may face but also demonstrates the power of resilience and advocacy. For transgender individuals, their families, and allies, it’s a reminder of the importance of solidarity, support, and continued efforts to push for systemic change.
Resources and Support
Those seeking support or more information on transgender rights and legal assistance can reach out to organizations such as:
- New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU): Website
- Legal Services of Central New York (LSCNY): Website
- National Center for Transgender Equality: Website
- Trans Lifeline: A hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Website
We stand with the transgender community in advocating for equality, respect, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. Stories like DeAnna’s are a testament to the strength and resilience of those who fight against discrimination and pave the way for a more inclusive and just society.
