Collateral Consequences of Being You

I would like to take a moment and explain how prison rape leads to victimization. This is how 'perceived' Homosexuals are victimized through intentional abusive behavior, harrassment, and A-Typical stereotyping. I am using the word "perceived" because it is not a issue of if you are or not in prison. But, instead how you are "perceived" by inmates and staff alike. A human being does not have to be homosexual in prison to be sexually assaulted. Sexually assaulted men are not inflicted with Homosexual Acts. Rape is not about Homosexuality in prison but, instead self gratification through a violent act towards another human being.

I am going to use myself to example. I have soft, effeminate features, a voice that lacks base, and I refuse to resort to a prison mentality. My genetics have made my larinex different than others. It has also made me "pretty" instead of handsome. I am even smallboned. Even though I am currently overweight. I look very "young", I have blue-blue eyes, and very long eye lashes. I ahve no tattoo's and I prefer the culture and arts. By societies Stereotyping. I "look" gay. I am unable to hide in prison like a masculine gender male could in prison that can "hide" his personal life. If someone asks me if I am gay, I allways say no. Because, to admit that you are gay in prison, means that you are sexually active in prison. I have allways taken the stand that, "What seperates man from animal. Is that man can control his sexual impulses."

This does not stop the "chatter", but helps me draw a line that another inmate is not allowed to cross. This chatter causes the inmate of focus to become like a fish "stressed" in the water. The shark (predator) can sense it, and will begin to circle around the stressed fish awaiting to attack. These people who "chatter" do more damage than the predator does. Because it can create a "severe" environment for the inmate, soon to be a victim, to survive in. The inmate has no choice of were CDC places him. Anyone that is "perceived" homosexual talks to; Other inmates will harass them to the point that they can no longer talk to them. Anyone that the "perceived" homosexual takes a shower with; Are you having sex in the showers. Soon, the gossip becomes fact with no evidence of a act. All ending with the "perceived" Homosexual being sexually attacked or violently beatten by a skin head that, "Hates Fags". Staff talk about a new "gay" on the yard. Inmates overhear the conversation. Now placing the perceived homosexual at odds were inmates are against him, and he cannot communicate their problems to staff because "they" have become part of the problem. Isolation. It's like High School were all the boys label 'one' girl a slut. They all talk about her, but are all trying to have sex with her. The difference is this. This isn't High School anymore and the boys are now grown violent men. That you have every reason to fear. Most respect your space but, it only takes one. So a large amount of the inmates incarceration becomes a constant battle to defend their space, and their rights to equality. It's exhausting. A Lieutenant has even stated, "We are aware of this problem. It's just very seldom that it is brought to our attention."

It's not that it is very seldom brought to their attention but, CDC really doesn't want to deal with it realistically. No one feels comfortable with the issue of rape. Even on the streets. Until they do. More and more inmates will be sexually assaulted, abused, sexual slaves and raped.

One day it may be your grandchild, wife, husband, and ect. Even your grandfather is not exempt from this. The only one that appears to be "above the law" is the CDC itself.

By not realistically attacking this issue that has been part of the prison system since the beginning of America. The primary reason CDC does not combat this problem is their stand on a lack of funding. That must be saved to justify their $100K annual salary. It is about cost, and meeting the "basic" Judicial order at the "minimalist" of standards.

It is also perceived like AIDS once was. As a gay disease. Yet more and more inmates become victims, and a casualty of war on housing crimes. (in their eyes).

The only way I can realistically see prevention is through the following:

1. Courts demand change;
2. Legislative power;
3. A committee of victims monitor the changes;
4. Strict enforced discipline. There has to be "strict" enforced policies to prevent (trouble shoot) potential victims. Anyone that is found in violation will have strict consequences. The District Attorney will convict anyone in violation of promoting, encitting, or engadging in a hate crime. CDC shall give the inmate 365 days, DA referral, and a potential strike for encouraging, engadging in, and promoting ("chatter") a hate crime or assault. CDC will convict with or without the victims consent.

Until then more and more victims will parole with more problems than they arrived with. Infecting a allready troubled American society. The victims chances of drug abuse, negative social behavior, and a higher chance of recidivism. All due to CDC's mismanagement of funds, and unrealistic view of the problem.

The victim is transfered to another institution. Where the cycle allways begins again.

- CDC inmate V-11051