A new book, Inside and Out: LGBT writing from inside HMP/YOI Parc, details some of the experiences faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trasgender prisoners in prison. Written by Phil Forder, arts intervention and community inclusion manager for HMP/YOI Parc, the book is a compilation of first-hand accounts from LGBT people within the prison, from both prisoners and staff alike.
The book started life as a writing project providing an outlet for LGBT prisoners to express themselves. This helped build trust within the group. The fruits of this project formed the basis for the book.
Director of HMP/YOI, Janet Wallsgrove, expressed pride in what Forder and his colleagues have achieved. “This book is a statement. It’s saying that we at Parc recognise and support everyone’s right to be respected as an individual. It’s both about tackling homophobia and challenging people who express views that are unacceptable and about getting people to feel comfortable with themselves and more motivated to buy into a rehabilitative culture in prison and in society.”
You can read 'Inside and Out: LGBT writing from inside HMP/YOI Parc' here.
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