Dee Farmer

Dee Farmer is a transgender woman who successfully sued at the federal district court level while she was incarcerated, alleging the prison failed to protect her, a protection that is guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment. Farmer v. Brennan was heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1994. The Court ruled unanimously in favor of Farmer and allowed her to seek damages from the officials responsible for placing her in danger, and stipulated that prisoners have a right to be protected from sexual violence. The case is widely cited in cases relating to prisoners’ rights and transgender prisoners’ rights. Farmer is a legal expert, consultant and advocate. She was the first transgender plaintiff to bring a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.