Homosexual Relationships

In American prisons, heterosexual sexual activity is restricted. While regulations vary across states, some inmates may have access (either legally or through contraband) to pornographic materials. In a small number of jurisdictions, others may participate in conjugal visits. Finally, still others satisfy their heterosexual sex drives by engaging in sexual activity with prison staff, both consensually and nonconsensually. However, many inmates who seek sexual experiences are limited to homosexual encounters. These occur in both male and female correctional institutions, although there are gender differences in how these homosexual relationships develop. This entry will specifically examine homosexuality in male prisons; other entries in this volume address sexuality in female prisons.

Research on sex in prison has been limited. Studies in male correctional institutions have focused mainly on coerced sex, while much recent research has stressed the prevalence of sex in prison and the problems associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, much remains unknown about sexuality in prison, including how often voluntary sexual activity between two or more inmates occurs and how many prisoners actually engage in homosexual relationships.

It is important to conceptualize two types of homosexual activity. The first is dispositional homosexuality, best described as individuals who self-identify as gay or lesbian. Self-identified gays and lesbians are rare in prison. Those who are incarcerated are often at risk. In male prisons especially, homosexuals hold a low status in the prison culture and sometimes require protection. The second type of homosexual activity is situational. This occurs when the individual self-identifies as straight, but turns to homosexual activity due to a lack of heterosexual opportunities. Situational homosexuality comprises the majority of prison sex.

Research regarding bisexual or transgender inmates is scarce, but no doubt a study of them would further develop the topic of prison sexuality. A recent study of jail inmates in protective custody found that there were some differences between bisexual [Page 442]and gay inmates. Gay and bisexual prisoners reported feeling disrespect from their peers and from officers. However, gay inmates were less likely than bisexuals to change their behaviors while in jail, and were more likely to be harassed.