Behind Bars

How many times had Corey heard about the horror stories of prison life for young gay men like him? It seemed impossible that he would be able to survive both mentally and physically as he scanned the courtyard. The well-built hunks, many with no shirts, he saw below failed to stimulate him as all he saw were potential bullies and rapists. Although Corey was twenty-two, he had always been carded at the clubs or liquor store because he looked underage to the bouncers and clerks. At five feet eight inches tall with an average build and weighing just 145, curly blond hair and blue eyes, Corey knew instinctively he would be a target in the general population. It was obvious from the first few hours after arriving at the jail that Corey couldn’t count on the guards to protect him.