The GAME changer
OutKasst Motto
"We stand together. We resist injustice. We rise for those whose voices are silenced. United by courage, strengthened by compassion, and unwavering in our pursuit of justice, we refuse to turn away from what is right. Our resistance is rooted in hope, our strength is found in unity, and our mission is to ensure that no one—especially the forgotten and marginalized—stands alone."
Here are eight core values for the OutKasst Organization, centered on LGBTQ+ prison reform, dignity, and justice:
1. Human Dignity – Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or incarceration status, deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and humanity.
2. Equality – We advocate for equal rights, fair treatment, and freedom from discrimination for all LGBTQ+ individuals within the correctional system.
3. Safety – We are committed to protecting LGBTQ+ incarcerated people from violence, harassment, abuse, and neglect by promoting safer correctional environments.
4. Justice – We work to reform policies and practices that create unequal treatment and systemic barriers for LGBTQ+ people behind bars.
5. Advocacy – We amplify the voices of incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals, champion their rights, and push for meaningful legislative and institutional change.
6. Empowerment – We provide education, resources, and support that help LGBTQ+ individuals reclaim their voices, build resilience, and successfully reenter their communities.
7. Integrity – We operate with honesty, transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and service.
8. Community – We foster a culture of inclusion, solidarity, and collaboration by bringing together formerly incarcerated individuals, allies, advocates, families, and partner organizations to create lasting change.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Together, these values reflect OutKasst mission to transform correctional systems into environments where LGBTQ+ individuals are protected, respected, and given equitable opportunities to thrive.
TEAM
OutKasst: A Movement for Unity, Healing, and Justice
I have spent my life fighting against oppression. Serving 20 years in prison opened my eyes to the realities that so many people face every day. I witnessed firsthand the emotional, mental, and physical struggles that people endure, especially those who often feel forgotten or abandoned. No one should have to carry those burdens alone.
That experience led me to become part of OutKasst—an organization built on the belief that unity is our greatest strength.
Our slogan is simple:
“We All We Got. We All We Need.”
Those words remind us that real change begins when we stand together. OutKasst is bigger than any one person. It is a movement dedicated to bringing people together, rebuilding our communities, and lifting one another up regardless of our background, race, identity, or life experiences.
We are committed to supporting people mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We fight against oppression in all its forms and stand beside those who have been marginalized, ignored, or discriminated against—including members of the LGBTQ+ community, who deserve the same dignity, respect, safety, and opportunity as everyone else.
Our mission is to create a family where no one has to walk through life alone. We believe everyone deserves someone to lean on—a brother, a sister, a friend, a mentor, and a community that believes in them even when they struggle to believe in themselves.
OutKasst exists because we know that healing happens together. Communities become stronger when we support one another, speak up for those whose voices have been silenced, and refuse to let division define us.
We are somebody. We are survivors. We are leaders. We are family. We are the people. And together, we will continue to fight for unity, equality, justice, and hope.
We All We Got. We All We Need
OutKasst: A Voice for LGBTQ+ People Behind Bars
Mission Statement
OutKasst is dedicated to exposing the realities faced by LGBTQ+ people in prisons and jails while advocating for meaningful prison reform. The organization seeks to ensure that every incarcerated person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity, protected from violence, and given equal access to safety, healthcare, and justice.
About OutKasst
For many LGBTQ+ incarcerated individuals, imprisonment means facing dangers beyond the loss of freedom. They often experience discrimination, harassment, physical violence, sexual assault, isolation, and barriers to receiving appropriate medical and mental health care. OutKasst exists to amplify these voices, educate the public, and encourage reforms that create safer correctional environments.
The Challenges LGBTQ+ People Face Behind Bars
LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately vulnerable to:
- Sexual assault and physical violence from other incarcerated people and, in some cases, staff.
- Placement decisions that fail to consider gender identity or personal safety.
- Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.
- Limited access to gender-affirming healthcare and mental health services.
- Solitary confinement used as a form of "protection," which can have serious psychological consequences.
- Fear of reporting abuse due to possible retaliation or disbelief.
These challenges can leave individuals feeling isolated, traumatized, and without meaningful protection.
Why Prison Reform Matters
Prison reform is about ensuring that correctional facilities provide humane treatment and reasonable safety for everyone. Effective reform can include:
- Better staff training on LGBTQ+ issues and anti-discrimination practices.
- Fair and individualized housing decisions that prioritize safety.
- Stronger systems for reporting abuse confidentially and investigating complaints.
- Access to appropriate medical and mental healthcare.
- Independent oversight and accountability within correctional facilities.
- Policies that respect every person's dignity while maintaining institutional safety.
Education and Advocacy
OutKasst works to:
- Raise public awareness through educational resources and survivor stories.
- Promote evidence-based policy reforms.
- Support organizations that provide legal assistance and advocacy.
- Encourage collaboration among lawmakers, correctional professionals, and community organizations.
- Empower formerly incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences and help shape reform.
Resources
The website provides:
- Information on incarcerated persons' rights.
- Links to legal aid and advocacy organizations.
- Mental health and crisis support resources.
- Research on LGBTQ+ incarceration and prison safety.
- Opportunities for volunteers, donors, and community partners to get involved.
Our Vision
OutKasst envisions a correctional system where every person is protected from abuse, treated fairly, and afforded basic human dignity. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we believe meaningful reform can reduce violence, improve accountability, and help ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are not forgotten simply because they are behind bars.
"No one should have to choose between serving a sentence and surviving one."
Michael Hunt
SECRETARIES MEMBERS
KEVIN WHITE Executive Board Member
CEANI LUGO
GRANT CAMPBELL
BONNIE LAROSEA-SANDERS
BACKPACK LONG Board Member
