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Tony is serving two life sentences and has spent nearly two decades writing about the hidden realities of life behind bars. Secrets from a Prison Cell, handwritten by Tony and later transcribed by friends, pulls back the curtain on prison life through personal stories, essays, and poetry, offering a powerful call for reform. After 34 years of hiding his sexuality, he found the courage to live authentically in prison, where he writes about injustice, faith, and the healing power of chosen family and community. Tony is also a contributor to Humans of San Quentin.

Proceeds from his book support the No Exceptions Prison Collective, a nonprofit advocating for an end to legalized slavery under the 13th Amendment’s incarceration exception.

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These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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