Questioning Dangerous Gender Stereotypes: Gay Names?!

Correctional officials and Mavericks (Hustle 2.0 participants) have asked, “Why do the members of your writing team have gay names?”?

There’s an interesting gender stereotype! No one questions people’s sexual identity when they have “normal” gang handles. But if a man goes by a name that sounds gentle or sweet, all the sudden, he’s gay?!?

I recently met with young men who’d done time to get feedback about The Preseason (Hustle 2.0’s introductory workbook).?

Their prison terms ranged from a couple of months to a couple of years. They asked the same question about H2.0’s “gay” names and paid me little attention. I’ll admit, when I’m dressed in suspenders and slacks, I don’t look like I could survive a day in jail.

I quietly listened to their feedback … and then shared my story of doing 18 years at?a supermax and explained why we have our “Sweet Names.” And, all the sudden, they sat up a little straighter. I thought, You wouldn’t dare personally confront a single member of H2.0’s Writing Team about having a “gay” name. That thought was wrong of me. Just like many of us, those of us on H2.0’s Writing Team aren’t the same people we used to be … and don’t behave the way we used to.?

Our anger and violence earned us names like “Monster” or “Psycho.” We don’t want to be known for our violent pasts and don’t want to perpetuate stereotypes of incarcerated people. That’s why we’ve changed up our handles. We all have characteristics that make us sweet. My family, friends, and homeboys know me as being funny, goofy, compassionate … and sweet. I can imagine all of you out there with your families. If I labeled you based on how you act with them, you might have a “Sweet Name,” too.