Bisexual Prisoners

Nickie Phillips

Bisexuality is defined as sexual attraction, potential attraction, or sexual behavior toward members of both sexes. Bisexuality, though, like homosexuality, remains an elusive term. Is a married man who engages in periodic homosexual activity gay? Does one incident of same-sex activity render a person gay? Defining bisexuality among prison inmates is especially challenging. Is sexual orientation defined by acts committed prior to incarceration or by acts committed during incarceration? If someone engages in same-sex sex during incarceration, but returns to heterosexuality upon release, is that person gay or bisexual? Much like the outside society, attitudes toward bisexuals in prison are typically unfavorable. One recent study has shown that male inmates tend to be more homophobic than women and that black inmates are more tolerant toward homosexuality than whites. Some facilities may segregate the more effeminate male homosexuals from the general population for their own protection or to discourage sexual behavior. ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.