Dr. Christy Perez’s extraordinary journey from incarceration to becoming an influential voice for trans rights and abolitionist journalism.
Dr. Christy Perez’s story is one of defiance, resilience, and transformation. From the confines of a men’s prison in Georgia, Perez broke free not only from the physical walls around her but from the silence that often surrounds incarcerated people, particularly trans individuals. Using unconventional means and at great personal risk, Perez became a groundbreaking journalist, shedding light on the harsh realities of prison life while amplifying the voices of the most marginalized: incarcerated LGBTQ+ people. Her journey from surviving the brutalities of the justice system to becoming an advocate for trans rights and social justice is both inspiring and a call to action.
It’s not every day that a writer goes from writing anonymously in a prison cell to serving as a Grand Marshal at a Pride parade. Yet, that is exactly the transformation Perez has undergone. As her journalism career grew and her activism intensified, she became not just a voice for those in prison but an advocate for every queer, trans, and Black person still fighting against the systems that oppress them.
Writing in the Dark: The Birth of a Journalist Behind Bars
The idea of a journalist writing from behind bars may seem impossible to some, but for Dr. Christy Perez, it was a necessity. After spending years in a men’s prison in Georgia, Perez became aware of the extreme rights violations occurring daily—especially for trans and gender-nonconforming inmates. Rather than succumbing to despair, Perez turned to writing as a powerful tool for resistance, documenting the stories of those whose voices often went unheard.
In an environment where the prison system stifles any attempt at dissent, Perez took great personal risk to expose corruption, human rights abuses, and the oppression faced by LGBTQ+ prisoners. As a trans Afro-Latina, Perez’s unique perspective became invaluable in her reporting, and she used her platform to shed light on issues that were often ignored by mainstream media.
“I was deeply aware of the risks I was taking,” Perez recalls. “But these stories needed to be told.” Her commitment to sharing the truth, even in the face of severe repercussions, helped her stand out as a writer committed to justice, integrity, and activism.
Perez’s pieces began to gain attention, and soon she was writing for publications like Filter Magazine, The Appeal, and LGBTQ Nation, while also amplifying the voices of other incarcerated trans individuals. Her stories, published under the pseudonym C. Dreams, became a lifeline for those who felt isolated and voiceless.
The Price of Truth: Risking Everything to Report
The risks Perez took while writing were immense. Not only was she violating prison regulations to report on corruption and abuses, but the content she was publishing made her a target both inside the prison and beyond. She wrote about the systemic issues faced by LGBTQ+ prisoners, the challenges of accessing medical care, and the struggles of individuals navigating a broken system.
“There were times when I feared for my safety,” Perez shared. “The environment was dangerous, and standing up against the system made me vulnerable.” Despite the looming danger, Perez continued her work, driven by a determination to expose the truth and ensure that the stories of marginalized individuals were heard.
Writing became an act of resistance, one that allowed Perez not just to tell her own story but to tell the stories of countless others who had no voice. Even as she faced the possibility of retaliation from both prison officials and fellow inmates, Perez remained steadfast in her mission.
Her editor, Kastalia Medrano, played a pivotal role in shaping Perez’s journalistic journey. Under Medrano’s mentorship, Perez honed her skills, learning how to structure articles and develop compelling narratives. “Not many editors would have done what she did,” Perez acknowledged. “She helped me believe in myself and pushed me to be a better writer.”
The Transformation: From Incarceration to Advocacy
Dr. Christy Perez’s journey didn’t end with her writing. As her reputation as a journalist grew, so did her involvement in advocacy work. She realized that her mission was not just about telling stories, but about using her platform to empower others. After years of fighting for her own rights—such as access to hormone treatment—Perez became increasingly aware of the systemic issues that affect both incarcerated individuals and the LGBTQ+ community.
When Perez was denied hormone replacement therapy (HRT), she represented herself in a legal case to secure the medical care she needed. By teaching herself legal writing and utilizing the prison’s law library, Perez won the case, securing the treatment she required and becoming even more determined to advocate for those facing similar struggles.
Upon her release in 2023, Perez didn’t slow down. She co-founded Poder Unides, an organization focused on empowering trans individuals in Atlanta. Through this initiative, Perez worked closely with queer Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon to launch the Georgia Peaches Leadership and Advocacy Program, which provides resources and political education for LGBTQ+ people.
Perez’s work continues to have a significant impact. In addition to founding and leading a second non-profit, the Dreaming Justice Project , she serves as a leadership development coach for the Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative (SnapCo), a group focused on building political power for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Through this work, Perez focuses on decriminalization, abolitionist organizing, and improving the lives of marginalized communities—especially LGBTQ+ immigrants. She also serves as the chief advisor for the Formerly Incarcerated Transitions (FIT) Clinic, a partnership between Emory University and Grady Hospital under Dr. Mark Spencer’s clinical directorship, to provide services to formerly incarcerated people; while also somehow managing to be the Engagement Specialist for Inclusive Recovery and the Anne Dunbar Senior Journalism Fellow at The Lighthouse | Love Black Girls Project.
“I was thrown away by the foster care system, and then thrown away by the judicial system,” Perez explained. “I’m here now because I want to make sure that others don’t face the same fate.”
A Grand Marshal at Pride: A Full Circle Moment
In a powerful moment of recognition, Dr. Christy Perez was named a Grand Marshal for the 2023 Atlanta Pride Parade, an honor that symbolizes her transformation from a marginalized individual to a leader within the LGBTQ+ community.
For Perez, this recognition was especially meaningful. “When I went through my criminal case at 19, I felt really abandoned by my community,” she said, reflecting on her early struggles. “To have Atlanta Pride acknowledge me, the work I do, and the intersection of trans rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and decarceration—it means everything to me.”
Perez’s role as Grand Marshal represents not only her personal triumph but also the strength of a community that has fought for years to be seen, heard, and valued. As she marched down the streets of Atlanta, Perez carried with her the stories of countless incarcerated people, particularly those trans folks who can see a bit of themselves in her, and who have yet to be liberated.
The Continuing Fight: Dr. Christy Perez’s Unyielding Advocacy
While Dr. Christy Perez’s personal journey has been one of remarkable transformation, her mission is far from over. She continues to fight for trans rights, abolition, and the decriminalization of marginalized communities, using her voice to inspire others who have been silenced by systems of oppression.
Her work in journalism, advocacy, and community-building serves as a powerful reminder that those who are often cast aside by society can rise to become the leaders, advocates, and change-makers of tomorrow.
Perez’s story shows that even from the darkest places, there can be light. Her courage, resilience, and unshakable commitment to justice are a testament to the power of storytelling—and to the ongoing fight for the freedom and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, both inside and outside of prison walls.
To learn more about Dr. Perez’s transformative work and how Dreaming Justice Project is changing the landscape of justice, visit Dreaming Justice Project. Stay connected with Dr. Perez on her social media platforms at:
- Instagram: @the.djpc
- LinkedIn: Dr. Christy Perez
- MuckRack: Dr. Christy Perez
- Website: Uncaged Critique
