I attempted to spring up but another man stood over me and forcefully pushed me back down by my shoulders. Still, a man sat next to me and put his arm around me. I sat with my knees in and my arms folded with my head down, so I’m not sure how they knew I was gay. So I found a quiet spot on the floor in the corner. As I was being booked into Orleans Parish Prison in November of 2004, I realized I was a target.ĭuring the processing I was placed in a holding cell with nearly fifty other prisoners. Like everyone, I had heard the stories about men being “turned out” in prison. Coming from a family of several positive male role models, I never had to hide who I was, so I never did. I’ve always been gay, but I’ve never been overtly effeminate.
