Narratives and Constructions of Sexuality in American Women’s Prisons

Abstract

This paper explores lesbianism in American prisons, identifying the impact dominant narratives have on incarcerated women with diverse sexualities. Drawing from academic research, the paper discusses historical theoretical perspectives and media construction of lesbian women in prison. Both theoretical and media portrayals of incarcerated lesbian women work together to alter public opinion. This paper seeks to explore how portrayals of lesbianism are harmful due to their tendency to stereotype and misrepresent. The paper will also explore how correctional perspectives continue to be affected by dominant narratives, which have a direct impact on the lives of incarcerated women through corrective measures. Finally, the perspectives of incarcerated women themselves are highlighted, as they are the experts of their own experiences. The term lesbian will be used throughout the paper as an umbrella term describing women who engage in sexual relationships with other women. This is for the sake of simplicity due to the limited scope of the paper’s length and the available research on the subject. It is not intended to dismiss or oversimplify the diversity of sexual identities and labels.