- Dawson Johns is employed by Black and Pink, a non-profit organization dedicated to the abolition of prisons.
- Johns plays a role in coordinating a letter-writing program for incarcerated individuals and also writes letters themselves.
- This is the personal story of Johns, as shared with Kelly Burch.
This essay is based on a conversation with Dawson Johns. It has been edited for length and clarity.
A few times a month, I dedicate some time to write letters to individuals who are incarcerated. These individuals are part of my inside community, referring to those in prison.
Although I have never met the recipients of my letters, they have become like family to me within the LGBTQ+ community. Receiving a letter is a crucial reminder for many of them that someone on the outside cares. During mail call, hearing their name being called not only provides a mental boost but also signals to others that there are people who care about them.
Letter writing may be considered old-fashioned, but it remains one of the most reliable and affordable methods of reaching incarcerated individuals. As the insider member support coordinator at Black and Pink, a renowned organization fighting for prison abolition, I assist in connecting our inside members with pen pals on the outside through our pen-pal program available at https://blackandpinkpenpals.org/. This program holds a special significance for LGBTQ+ individuals who are often estranged from their families and therefore lack a support system.
My focus is to bring joy to the recipients of my letters
Some of the incarcerated individuals sign up for our pen-pal program because they long for someone they can confide in. They have no one to share their experiences with, and they seek the comfort and connection of another human being.
Others desire an activist friend who can help them advocate for themselves, access resources, and simultaneously fight for the abolition of prisons.
My favorite requests come from those seeking a romantic connection. Such requests are quite common and always enjoyable. It feels like being a matchmaker or creating a dating site for individuals who lack the simple joys that those of us on the outside often take for granted.
When writing a letter, bringing joy can be as simple as sharing details about your day. Even a one-time letter writer can provide a sense of hope and community that can brighten life for those on the inside.
Writing to incarcerated individuals can be challenging
Corresponding with people in prison can be emotionally heavy. I have received letters with vivid descriptions of the harm and discrimination they face within. As a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community who experiences discrimination on a daily basis, it can be particularly challenging to process such narratives.
Furthermore, I sometimes find myself feeling disheartened if I believe a letter will not reach its intended recipient. Prisons frequently relocate individuals without providing updated address information. In prison, there is essentially no mail forwarding system, which further isolates individuals.
Despite the difficulties, I cherish the experience of writing to individuals in prison. I have the opportunity to hear their stories and provide them with a space to share. These stories can be both good and bad, PG-rated or otherwise. Nevertheless, it is always an honor to learn about someone else and how they navigate the world. The benefits of letter writing far surpass any challenges for me.
I maintain regular communication with one of my pen pals
Pen-pal relationships can remain superficial, but often, they develop into deeper connections. I regularly speak with one of the incarcerated individuals I write to on the phone. Hearing their voice is incredibly special and enhances our connection.
Getting started with pen-pal relationships may feel awkward, but once you write that first letter (which can simply be an introduction and an update about your day), it feels reminiscent of summer camp communication.
Some of the causes I care deeply about, such as supporting the LGBTQ+ community, uplifting trans Black women, and ending the prison industry, can be overwhelming on their own. However, I can allocate some time each week to write to individuals who may have no other means of communication with the outside world. In this way, I know that I am making a difference, even though there is still much work to be done.
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