Homosexuality has always been a big issue in America. Although it is not accepted by the majority of America, homosexuality has made a big impact on this country. It has been noticed in the light, as well as in the dark. In the cells and blocks of maximum security prisons, homosexuality runs deeper than the American concept. Whether from being accepted into a gang, getting sexual pleasure, and to even understanding one’s role in prison, homosexuality is king in all aspects.
When one is under the persecution of a judge; he never can guess what is going on inside the mind of the judge. A philosophy of the federal courts, which also applies in Illinois recently, has been that men are sent to prison “as punishment for the crime” and not “for punishment of the crime.” The “as punishment” has come to mean, taking a few years of a productive man’s life and depriving him of his ordinary mode of sexual expression. With this view it can be used as a back-up on why ex-convicts do not want to go back to prison.
With this view it can be used as a back-up on why ex-convicts do not want to go back to prison. Judges have some sort of idea and knowledge of what goes on behind prison doors, also another reason a judge does not take long for his decision between community service and jail time. “If I send this man to jail, I definitely know that he will repent for his actions, whereas if I give him community service there might be a chance to where he does not repent and commits the crime again.” A thought that a lawyer gave during a lecture at a Young Black Men’s Conference
A fact that goes under the radar to the public is that male prison guards also get raped during their hours of work. In John Money’s “Prison Sexology” an inmate had reported of two officers getting raped during his two years in the institution. “To my certain knowledge two officers were raped in the two years I spent in “Jailtown.” Naturally none of the perpetrators was found, for to be forced to testify to a man-to-man rape requires more fortitude than in the case of male-female rape.” So naturally, nobody is necessarily safe behind prison walls.
But there is also a flip side for the guards. In the same article Money talks to another inmate whose jail house had sold young fresh inmates to older inmates. The range price was from $25 to $100. If a prisoner had the right amount of influence over a prison guard, whether it was money, drugs, or even sex, a young inmate could go to him. Also, the guards would perform “set-ups”. If an inmate was to give a guard a hard time, the guard would open a certain inmate’s cell and place the other one inside to get raped.
Not all sex in prison is because of rape. About 87% men that go into prison are heterosexuals. Studies say that sex in prison only happens to fill the sex void that the prisoners naturally receive.After staying behind walls with men and not seeing a woman for more than 3 years, can have some sort of effect on men. Some men make bonds with their comrades in jail and become close with each other. Other cellmates have become more intimate than comrades, through the very real necessity for sexual expression. The relationship is not an aggressive-passive one, but rather a mutual understanding of taking care of another’s sexual needs.
With the new gay and lesbian number growing it is causing worries in the medical field. Since you can’t stop the inmates from having sex with each other, new diseases are spreading, and the number of infected patients is increasing for the existing diseases.It is wise to educate prison inmates about the risks and dangers that will be involved in contact with HIV/AIDS positive inmates in prison. Learning about the danger equips inmates to safeguard and protect themselves against possible infection. Since AIDS in most cases is preventable, prevention is the best approach.
In conclusion homosexuality in prisons in no secret. Sex happens a lot and happens regarding different situations. Whether it is for pleasure, a feeling of relief, or by force. When looking at the situation of inmates from an outside view, I feel sorry for those victims who were falsely accused in court and have to go through those types of circumstances. Going to jail changes a person’s life for better or for worse. That’s why I do my best on the outside so I do not have to see that type of rugged lifestyle. It can make a break a man.
