Lynn Toney (left) and Summer Triolo both spent time
in the derisively named 'butch wing' at Fluvanna Correctional Center
in the derisively named 'butch wing' at Fluvanna Correctional Center
For a year or more, the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Virginia segregated so-called 'butch' looking lesbian inmates in a separate wing. The targeted inmates reportedly had 'short hair' and favored 'loose-fitting clothes.'
Some straight women also got sent to the wing because they had a 'masculine appearance.'
Current guards and a former co-worker say there was a deliberate policy of targeting 'butch' looking inmates and packing them off to the wing referred to derisively by guards as 'the little boys wing' and the 'studs wing.'
It's reported that Building 5 manager Timothy Back came up with the segregation plan. Dozens of inmates were moved to wing 5D as it is officially called in an effort to break up relationships.
Warden Barbara Wheeler denies that lesbian inmates have been targeted based upon their appearance. When AP began making a few inquiries, inmates and a current employee reported that the practice was stopped.
Some straight women also got sent to the wing because they had a 'masculine appearance.'
Current guards and a former co-worker say there was a deliberate policy of targeting 'butch' looking inmates and packing them off to the wing referred to derisively by guards as 'the little boys wing' and the 'studs wing.'
It's reported that Building 5 manager Timothy Back came up with the segregation plan. Dozens of inmates were moved to wing 5D as it is officially called in an effort to break up relationships.
Warden Barbara Wheeler denies that lesbian inmates have been targeted based upon their appearance. When AP began making a few inquiries, inmates and a current employee reported that the practice was stopped.
Fluvanna Correctional Center
Inmates claim Fluvanna is run by homophobes, and that the rules are discriminatory. Women sent to wing 5D, said they were made the target of homophobic remarks. When they were being escorted for meals for example, it wasn't uncommon to overhear comments such as "Here come the little boys."
Segregating female inmates on the basis of their appearance is a violation of the US Constitution which guarantees equal protection and freedom of expression. Civil rights activists describe it as punishment for 'looking gay.'
This extraordinary treatment of female inmates based upon their looks is outrageous, especially since it has the appearance of a power-play designed to humiliate the women by branding them and isolating them in this fashion.
It's one thing to do time for a crime, but this was nothing less than a punitive add-on dreamed up to essentially punish women further for the 'crime' of having a certain look.
Let's hope the airing this story has had in the media will result in some needed action because there are problems with this institution... some also that pre-date this report... see beneath for more info.
Segregating female inmates on the basis of their appearance is a violation of the US Constitution which guarantees equal protection and freedom of expression. Civil rights activists describe it as punishment for 'looking gay.'
This extraordinary treatment of female inmates based upon their looks is outrageous, especially since it has the appearance of a power-play designed to humiliate the women by branding them and isolating them in this fashion.
It's one thing to do time for a crime, but this was nothing less than a punitive add-on dreamed up to essentially punish women further for the 'crime' of having a certain look.
Let's hope the airing this story has had in the media will result in some needed action because there are problems with this institution... some also that pre-date this report... see beneath for more info.
AP report - here.
Article citing other complaints about Fluvanna - here
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