ABSTRACT
This chapter describes behavior, which seems to provide the principal basis for role differentiation in the female prison. This behavior is homosexuality. It is not a simple task to measure the actual extent to which inmates at Frontera assume homosexual roles. One problem is that the definition of homosexuality varies between staff and inmates, and between members of each group. A second problem is that homosexual behavior is not only illegal behavior, but most participants try to conceal their activities from others. The distinction between sexual involvement and sexual restraint is as difficult to make regarding a definition of homosexuality as it is regarding heterosexual behavior in the outside community. There are a variety of places where inmates may meet despite the rigorous efforts of staff to prevent them. There are not enough staff members to constantly supervise each inmate and until that custodial millenium is reached, lovers will find ways to be together.
