Despite the fact that the number of LGBT people in Italian prisons is not significant, their human dignity still matters. Their personal security is violated every day and it is well-known that LGBT people do not have a voice behind bars; they are rejected and silenced.

LGBT prisoners are very often not acknowledged by the prison population or prison guards and officials. Prison silence is a well-known expression among prisoners and also commonly used in practice, since each year thousands of rape and abuse cases happen in the facilities that are not reported.

Homosexual behavior is widespread in prisons, often used as a sexual replacement to a heterosexual relationship, but many times it ends up in sexual slavery, rape and humiliation.

Homosexual prisoners become sex objects and they are never considered as homosexual human beings. Their identity is denied and suppressed by fellow inmates and even prison staff.

The price of protection

Many times LGBT prisoners are put in solitary confinement for days or months, which still does not provide a long-lasting resolution. Placing them there means more protection, but it also means little or no activity or human contact for them, solely because of who they are.

The penitentiary system in Italy is consolidated around denial and lack of affection, and LGBT people are mistreated and constantly humiliated.

The solution to this situation is still very much debated, but dedicated wards - combined with sympathy and understanding as well as with cultural competency and training programs for prison staff - could bring consistent improvement in this area.