Transgender Inmate's Discrimination Suit can Move Forward

A federal judge says a lawsuit brought by a transgender woman seeking to be transferred from an all-male Massachusetts prison to a women's facility can move forward.

Judge Richard Stearns denied the Massachusetts Department of Correction's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit Thursday.

The lawsuit filed in November says the inmate, who has gender dysphoria, has been traumatized by being forced to "eat, sleep, shower and live with men."

Stearns said the inmate can pursue her claim that her placement in the male prison violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The director for GLAD's Transgender Rights Project called the ruling "hugely significant." Jennifer Levi said the judge is giving prison officials the opportunity to "do the right thing."

The Department of Correction didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.