WWBT
RICHMOND, Va. — Another court victory for a transgender inmate.
Virginia inmate Ophelia De’lonta appears closer to getting a sex change — paid for by taxpayers.
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Monday that De’lonta is entitled to a hearing, to determine whether the Virginia Department of Corrections violated her constitutional rights by not allowing her to be evaluated for the operation.
In a phone interview Monday, De’lonta said the unanimous appeals court ruling feels like being paroled.
“It’s major,” said De’lonta. “Finally, I can get what I need. That’s just like making parole. Really. It’s something that’s very much overwhelming.”
Full story: Transgender inmate wins hearing appeal