The Bail Project

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is more than a legal principle – it must also be a lived reality. Today, nearly 500,000 legally innocent people sit in jail before trial, often simply because they can't afford bail. Though deemed safe for release by a judge and not convicted of a crime, they remain incarcerated because they lack the financial means to secure their freedom.

The Bail Project's latest article explores why Juneteenth remains deeply connected to the fight for a more equitable justice system – and why dismantling wealth-based barriers to freedom remains urgent work.

Who gets to be free, and under what conditions?

🔗 Read more: https://bailproject.org/learn/why-we-celebrate-juneteenth/

Why We Celebrate Juneteenth This Juneteenth, The Bail Project recommits to the ongoing effort of making freedom fully realized for everyone, regardless of race or wealth.

At The Bail Project, we believe everyone deserves equal justice – no matter their gender, sexuality, or how much money they have. As we celebrate Pride Month, we're reminded of the disproportionate impact that cash bail and pretrial incarceration have on the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ people face higher incarceration rates and a greater risk of violence while in jail pretrial. For clients like Kayleann, being incarcerated in a jail that did not match her gender identity was life-threatening. As a self described fun and active woman who likes to put smiles on people’s faces, her own joy and safety deteriorated the moment handcuffs were placed on her wrists. She faced physical, verbal, and sexual assault while incarcerated for nearly two months until The Bail Project secured her release.

Now, Kayleann's case is closed. Her biggest dream is to find unconditional love in someone "who loves me for me and won't hurt me.”

Clients like Kayleann deserve care, not incarceration. Through free bailouts and pretrial support, we’re reuniting LGBTQ+ individuals with their communities as we continue the fight for liberation for all. Join us this at bailproject.org!