Name: Ahkia Rayne
What city and state do you live in?: Seattle, Washington
Describe your current work/workplace: Executive Director of Sacred Community Connections. I was brought to this work through a program to write trans women who were incarcerated. I had several pen pals all trans folks who wrote about the lack of understanding around the nuances of subcultures inside the jail system. Those letters changed my life. Now my org SCC helps to make sure trans folks have access to safe housing upon release as well as case management.
What made you want to join CLI?: I joined to better grow in my organizing skills as well as join a group of likeminded women.
What are you most looking forward to as a part of CLI?: The conversations we have weekly and possibly meeting up!
What do you wish people knew about women who are incarcerated/formerly incarcerated/their families?: I wish people understood how hard it is one folks are released. I wish people cared that our systems are broken. I wish we talked more about what happens to families. The grief and trauma of the jail system is felt by everyone.
Who is your biggest supporter?: My community! Y'all have kept me going this long!
What is your favorite form of self-care?: Baths! Any access to being in water really and a good blunt.
Anything else you would like to share?: I love it here!!
