Cartographies of incarcerated LGBTQIA+ Family Relationships

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss family relationships of LGBTQIA+ prisoners. It is crucial to analyze the relations that configure gender and sexuality identities of individuals considered outside of cisheteronormativity to understand their experiences in the prison context. The study investigates family relationships within a penitentiary intended as a reference to and exclusive for the LGBTQIA+ population, as well as the subjectivation processes involved. Utilizing the cartography as a method of study, it enables the exploration of objectification and subjectification as effects of practices, allowing the researcher to participate in the production of new political-existential territories. To achieve this, weekly institutional clinical groups were conducted in the penitentiary. The analyses highlight the complexity of family relationships, marked by logistical challenges, institutional violence, and gender norms. However, support among inmates is crucial for developing mental health in incarceration. Prison institutions reinforce hegemonic norms of gender and sexuality, demanding a critical and clinical approach in the fight for rights and humanization for incarcerated individuals, especially those facing multiple oppressions.