ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we explore how gender and sexual identities are viewed as failing masculinities, each marked by a lack of conformance to hegemonic masculine ideals underlying the relational dynamics of masculinities within penal spaces. We also connect how language, specifically gossip, serves to discredit prisoners who have been found guilty of sex offenses as they enter into carceral spaces. In addition, we explore two phenomena—stigma and emotions—that perform as a proverbial glue to connect the chimeric aspects to sex offenders in correctional settings.