Join us for a launch of Dalton Harrison's new release - A Prison Within a Prison: An Evocative Autoethnographic Approach to Being a Transgender Man in a Women's Prison in England.
Mixing academic discourse with poetry and creative writing this book tells the story of one trans mans journey through society and prison and out the other side. There is little known about trans men in prison and this is a one-of-a-kind chance to understand what happens in prison and what it means to be queer in today's society and formerly incarcerated.
This book takes you beyond the media headlines and shows you what happens off the record. Dalton will be reading true stories from the book, as well as a poetry performance that takes you on his journey, followed by Q&A. Dalton is joined on a panel discussion by Professor Aylwyn Walsh from the University of Leeds and Pam Bircumshaw who has a extensive career in Probation and female approved premises discussing Criminal Justice topics and answering further questions.
Dalton Harrison is a dyslexic trans man with a history of prison. He has a Criminal Justice and Criminology BA and MSc. Dalton has had his poetry changed into art, music and contemporary dance. He has collaborated internationally and worked as a theatre and television consultant. Performing at the BBC Contains Strong Language Festival, Leeds Playhouse, and City Varieties. His first memoir was a poetry collection called The Boy Behind the Wall, and his second book is called A Prison Within a Prison: An Evocative Autoethnographic Approach to Being a Transgender Man in a Women's Prison in England. Mixing academic discourse with poetry, creative writing this book tells stories, and challenges assumptions of what its like being trans in prison.
Pam Bircumshaw worked in the Criminal Justice sector for over 25 years, firstly as a Probation Service Officer and latterly in an Approved Premises for women. She is now a trainee Art Psychotherapist, a move which was largely inspired by witnessing the transformative powers of the arts within the prison system. She also works part time in the NHS as a Social Prescriber and is a foster carer for Leeds City council. She spends her spare time art journaling, walking in nature and defending the music of Barry Manilow.
Ally Walsh makes theatre in communities and works on social justice as a researcher based at the University of Leeds. She has researched arts in criminal justice, protest, arts activism, contemporary theatre, youth participation in South Africa and is currently organising with Abolitionist Futures.
Date: Wednesday 22nd July 2026
Time: 7pm
Venue: The Bookish Type, 77a Great George Street, LS1 3BR
Tickets are on a sliding scale (£8 / £5 / £3 / £0)
Please be honest about your financial situation when selecting what to pay for your ticket. If you purchase a ticket at the lowest end of the scale when you could afford the higher ticket prices, it makes it harder for us to provide financial flexibility to those who most need it.
£8 "I have more than enough to comfortably meet my basic financial needs and can afford to contribute a little extra to support access for others."
£5 "I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic financial needs."
£3 "I may stress about meeting my basic financial needs but still regularly achieve them."
£0 "I have no disposable income to afford the event"
Tickets are only refundable up to 7 days before the event starts. Please email to cancel.
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Access Info
The shop has an 8cm step but we have a ramp we can put in place if required.
There is a downstairs bathroom with toilet and hand basin.
There is a range of seating including chairs that are armless with padded seats and backs, armless sofa, bench with cushions.
Face masks are encouraged but not required; an H13 HEPA air purifier will be in use.
On street parking available (charges may apply).
Please email in advance if you have any specific access needs: thebookishtypeleeds@gmail.com
