“Concrete Chocolate Bars”: Deconstructing Whitened Compulsory Heterosexuality Ideology in U.S. Carceral Facilities within the “South”
Cannon, Celessia D
Citations
Abstract
In 1972 U.S. State and Federal Prisons reported approximately 200,000 individuals in custody. Less than a decade later, rates skyrocketed to 315,974 people under carceral control. Broadly, researchers examine the consequences of the War on Drugs on incarceration, collateral impacts on family, post-incarceration, and state actors working in carceral facilities. Fewer studies investigate policies existing within carceral facilities. At present, no research examines rules and regulations impacting Black Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) folx. This research addresses that gap. Findings suggest carceral facilities control sexuality by reinforcing compulsory heterosexuality resulting in adverse impacts on Black TGNC folx. I contend due to disproportionate numbers of Black and Brown bodies in carceral facilities, a “racialized carceral de-sexualism” for Black TGNC folx is constructed and reinforced by the state. Ultimately, my hope is this research influences much-needed mass incarceration policy reform and illustrates the increasing need for conversations about prison abolition within academia.