Queering Carceralism

Abstract

This article endeavours to expand the horizons of queer carceral studies, recognizing it is an apt frame of reference for reconsidering empirical research and advocacy which welcomes queerness as a central and fundamental analytic lens to interrogate carceral capitalist logics. As I have argued elsewhere, we find ourselves in quite the carceral age. Despite the fact queer, trans, and gender nonconforming people continue to be disproportionately incarcerated, if not otherwise affected by the carceral system, queer studies has paid scant attention to the prison, while critical prison studies has only somewhat engaged with queerness. Indeed, the historical illegality, costs, and subsequent consequences of queerness, broadly conceived, teaches many trans/queer/nonconforming folks their lives will be intimately connected to legal and prison systems. Therefore, it is important to expand the horizons of queer carceral studies to better situate carceral capitalistic conversations and concerns. This discussion provides a useful entry point for the analysis of costly legal challenges and associated barriers for queer and trans people; ongoing restrictions and decreases in correctional health care budgets; ongoing restrictions and decreases in community services; and ongoing restrictions and decreases in housing. Ultimately, I conclude that more challenges than solutions persist, a matter that will require remedial socio-legal and carceral policy work at all government levels