TGNC/LGBQIA+ Incarceration Support

Our Vision

Our Vision is to actively decolonize the criminal justice system, creating a world where our services are no longer necessary.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure the safety and dignity of the incarcerated & formerly incarcerated TGNC/LGBQIA+ community. Freedom Overground serves to amplify the voices of incarcerated TGNC/LGBQIA+ people by empowering them before, during, and after incarceration.

Our History

Freedom Overground grew from one individual, Ky Peterson's campaign for trans-related medical care in 2014. In 2015 the Federal courts demanded that Georgia enforce their policies regarding the treatment of trans inmates however, the prison administrations insisted on remaining non-compliant. When it comes to state policy, if the state provides a service for one, it must provide it for all. As word of our organizing spread through the prisons, the demand for transitional support and assistance began to grow. Over time, Freedom Overground began assisting  TGNCI/LGBQA+ people in several Georgia and Tennessee facilities.

In the years that have followed, our initiatives have become a pilot for change in TGNCI prisoner support. Our organizers are fighting for changes in policy that will improve the quality of life for all TGNCI prisoners. From hormones to undergarments to gender-affirming hygiene products... every victory we have achieved sets a new standard of care for every Trans and GNC prisoner in need.

In the summer of 2020, Freedom Overground partnered with several grassroots organizations forming the 7 Pillars Collaborative. This indigenous-based community collaboration works to develop new programs, rooted in decolonization, and designed to encourage sustainable environments for marginalized people. 

un·der·ground e·con·o·my (noun) 

Also called black market or shadow economy, is a clandestine market or series of transactions that has some aspect of illegality or is characterized by some form of noncompliant behavior with an institutional set of rules.

Our Focus

Freedom Overground’s activities and major accomplishments are structured around ensuring the dignity and safety of TGNCI/LGBQA people before, during, and after incarceration. We also work to educate and engage the public on TGNCI community issues.

  • Before

    Work with TGNCI/LGBQA youth to educate them on safety and how to avoid becoming justice-involved.

  • During

    We help navigate the prison system to receive trans-related medical care, safe housing, gender-affirming items, therapy and know their rights.

  • After

    We begin re-entry transitional care prior to release by working with organizations to ensure there are no gaps in care while transitioning into society.

Our Leadership

KEN (KY) PETERSON

He, Him

Founder & CEO

MEL WHITE

They, Them

Design Director

In Loving Memory

Our Guiding Principles: 7 Sacred Teachings

We believe the path to abolition can be found in pre-colonized history.  For thousands of years, indigenous communities lived peacefully without the need for police, jails, lawyers, or any elements of the criminal justice system as we know it today. If a person committed a crime, they were held accountable to whoever was harmed, as well as the entire community.

 How were they able to accomplish what is considered impossible today? The 7 sacred teachings have been ingrained in every aspect of life, by indigenous tribes for millennia. These 7 teachings go by many names across the globe but the principles remain the same. The 7 Sacred Teachings are the basis for all of our organizing, programs, and community partnerships as we work to decolonize and ultimately abolish the prison industrial complex. 


Take Action

  • We need volunteers and service donations. Do you have a skill, service, or product that you would like to share? We are always in need of some extra helping hands. Reach out today.

  • Donating is a selfless act. One of the major positive effects of donating services is an increase in equity for those most marginalized. Being able to give back to those in need also helps you achieve a greater sense of personal satisfaction and growth. It feels good to help others!

  • Your letters help save lives. Many TGNCI prisoners are abandoned by family or loved ones. Once prison staff realizes that a prisoner has no one on the outside to advocate for them, the prisoner becomes a target for neglect, abuse, and worse. The simple act of sending cards and letters actually helps build a small bubble of protection against abusive correctional officers while providing much-needed emotional support.

Make a donation today.

While grants cover our programs and business expenses, they often do not cover direct support to individuals. We are seeking funds to provide direct support for our incarcerated community. These funds will be used for food, hygiene products, communication supplies, books, and phone service or email services.

 Contact us.

  • admin@freedomoverground.org

  • kpeterson@freedomoverground.org

  • kpeterson@freedomoverground.org