LGBTQ+ Lives in Prisons: Addressing the Policy-Practice Gap

Thomas, Scott; Glazzard, Jonathan

Abstract

The purpose of this policy brief is to use lived experience and research to bridge the gap between LGBTQ+ policy and practice in prisons. We hope that this policy brief will ignite debate and lead to the development of policy, training and awareness across the prison estate in the UK.
We draw on the lived experiences of a serving prisoner, who has co-authored this brief. He identifies as gay. His examples of life behind bars depict the clear disconnect between policy and its application in practice. We have drawn on aspects of lived experience which best highlight gaps in policy and we have then used these to inform and justify the recommendations at the end of this policy brief.
We found that there is a clear disconnect between policy and practice in relation to supporting LGBTQ+ people in the prison estate. The findings highlight the haphazard approach to risk assessments and the manipulation of policy be both staff and prisoners.
There is some research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in prisons in the UK, albeit limited. We recognise that drawing on the lived experiences of an individual calls into question the reliability of the findings and implications that we have proposed. However, these experiences do align with the existing research. There is an urgent need for further research into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within prisons.
This policy brief is intended to ignite debate on the experiences and rights of LGBTQ+ prisoners. Implementing the recommendations that are outlined in the brief will create a more consistent approach to the application of LGBTQ+ prisoners’ rights.
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience poor mental health. Implementing the policy recommendations will help to create more inclusive cultures within prisoners. In addition, the recommendations seek to foster the development of positive attitudes through developing educational resources which aim to challenge discrimination and prejudice. This furthers the advancement of social justice and inclusion, not just in prisons but also in the community. Prisoners returning to the community are more likely to enter it with healthy and inclusive values in relation to LGBTQ+.
This policy brief draws on the lived experiences of a serving long-term prisoner. Thus, it provides a valuable and unique insight into day-to-day life in the prison system. This insight is valuable to both policy makers and researchers who are seeking to develop a better, more informed understanding of life behind bars for LGBTQ+ prisoners.

Citation

Thomas, S., & Glazzard, J. (online). LGBTQ+ Lives in Prisons: Addressing the Policy-Practice Gap. International Journal of Prison Health, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0033

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 4, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 4, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 6, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 5, 2024
• Journal: International Journal of Prison Health
• Print ISSN: 2977-0254
• Electronic ISSN: 2977-0262
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0033
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4909747