Transgender Woman Sues LA County Sheriff’s Department for Housing With Men

A transgender woman, Coretta Simo Love Monk, has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, claiming she was misgendered and improperly housed with male detainees following her arrest in September 2023. Monk, whose legal identification affirms her gender as female and who has lived as a woman for years, asserts that she was not only forced to share living quarters and shower facilities with men but also subjected to humiliating and unsafe conditions that led to profound distress and a suicide attempt while in custody at the Twin Towers mental health jail facility .

The lawsuit alleges that the department was aware of Monk’s transgender status and vulnerabilities yet failed to provide safe and appropriate housing, violating legal standards and her civil rights. According to court documents, Monk avoided showering for months due to the degrading experience and attempted suicide in a state of despair, underscoring the psychological harm inflicted by her placement .

California is recognized nationally for its progressive legislation protecting transgender individuals in custody. The Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act (SB 132), passed in 2020, mandates that incarcerated transgender people have the right to be housed in facilities corresponding to their gender identity and to be called by their correct names and pronouns . The law was enacted in response to widespread reports of violence, discrimination, and solitary confinement faced by transgender detainees in California’s correctional system.

Despite this legal framework, Monk’s lawsuit highlights alleged gaps between policy and practice at the county level, raising concerns about whether local law enforcement agencies are consistently implementing SB 132 and related protections. “CDCR’s men’s prisons are not a safe place for me. As a transgender woman, I belong in a women’s facility. I deserve to be called by my correct name and pronouns. S.B. 132 seeks to protect these rights and affirm my dignity,” stated Katie Brown, a transgender woman who intervened in a recent case defending SB 132 .

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has publicly stated that it takes all allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to upholding the safety and dignity of all individuals in its custody. However, Monk’s legal team contends that the department failed to adhere to its obligations under state law and federal civil rights statutes. The case is scheduled for trial in May 2026 and seeks unspecified damages for the harm suffered by Monk .

Advocates stress that incidents like Monk’s are not isolated. Nationally, LGBTQ+ organizations and legal experts point to persistent challenges in ensuring the safety and dignity of transgender people in detention. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Lambda Legal have repeatedly emphasized the importance of strong enforcement of laws like SB 132, as well as comprehensive training for jail staff on the rights and needs of transgender individuals .

Monk’s case comes on the heels of a significant legal victory for transgender rights advocates in California. In May 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California dismissed a lawsuit filed by an anti-transgender group challenging SB 132, affirming the state’s obligation to protect incarcerated transgender people and rebuffing efforts to undermine their rights . The court noted that the harms claimed by the plaintiffs were speculative and that transgender status cannot be characterized as a religion for legal purposes.

This broader legal context amplifies the importance of Monk’s lawsuit, as it tests whether local agencies are truly aligning with the spirit and letter of state law. “The court saw this lawsuit for what it was and understood that SB 132 simply requires CDCR to live up to its independent obligation to keep all people safe and free from harm,” said Shawn Thomas Meerkamper (they/them), Managing Attorney at Transgender Law Center .

Monk’s story has galvanized local and national LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who are calling for greater oversight, transparency, and accountability in how sheriff’s departments and jails implement protections for transgender detainees. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for trauma-informed care, staff training, and robust grievance mechanisms to ensure that transgender individuals are not subjected to discrimination, violence, or psychological harm in custody.

Legal experts argue that the outcome of Monk’s case could have significant implications for how jails and prisons nationwide interpret and enforce laws protecting transgender people. “Californians of all backgrounds, races, and genders know that everyone deserves respect, dignity and to live free from discrimination,” said Amanda C. Goad, Audrey Irmas director of the ACLU SoCal’s LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project .

As the trial date approaches, advocates and community members are watching closely to see how the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responds and whether Monk receives justice for the alleged violations she endured. The case underscores the ongoing struggle for full recognition and protection of transgender people’s rights within the criminal justice system.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Monk’s lawsuit is both a painful reminder of the risks faced by transgender people in detention and a rallying point for continued advocacy and reform. The story highlights the vital importance of enforcing legal protections, providing respectful and affirming care, and ensuring that all individuals—regardless of gender identity—are treated with dignity and humanity in every aspect of public life.