This article describes a one-time mask making session with 16 incarcerated gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) adults in a gender-aligned correctional unit. Utilizing Rogers’ Person-Centered approach and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommended values of “safety, choice, trust and voice,” the 90-minute activity promoted self-expression, self-reflection, and peer connection while complying with institutional security protocols. Four themes were identified: “Don’t mess with me,” “Put on a happy face,” “You don’t know me,” and “My inner prison.” The program's low cost and adaptability to varied custody settings suggest it as a practical, replicable tool for enhancing rehabilitative programming for vulnerable populations in correctional environments.
Altschuler et al. (2026) studied this question.