Ep 2. Gay For the Stay

Born Behind Bars is a captivating documentary series that takes a close look at the lives of mothers and their babies who are born in prison. This show is a unique and powerful look into the world of motherhood, where women must navigate the complexities of giving birth and raising a child while incarcerated. In season 1 episode 2, "Gay for the Stay," the focus is on a group of LGBTQ+ mothers who are serving time in prison.

The episode starts by introducing its viewers to the women who are featured in this episode. We meet Jaimie, who is serving time for armed robbery, and her partner, Ashley, who is in prison for burglary. The couple has been in a relationship for several years and are raising Jaimie's infant son together in prison. We also meet Angela, who is serving time for drug charges and is in a relationship with another woman in prison.

As the episode progresses, we learn about the challenges that LGBTQ+ mothers face in prison. These women must deal with the harsh reality of being separated from their partners and families. They are also often subjected to discrimination and harassment from other inmates and prison staff. The documentary highlights how these mothers must come together to support each other and create a sense of community in a place that is often hostile and isolating.

We also get an inside look at the unique struggles that LGBTQ+ mothers face when it comes to parenting in prison. Because of the strict rules and regulations, these women often cannot show any public displays of affection towards their partners, which can be particularly difficult for those who are raising a child together. We see how these mothers must be creative in finding ways to express their love and affection while also abiding by the rules of the prison.

Throughout the episode, we learn about the specific challenges that transgender mothers face in prison. We hear from a transgender woman who has been separated from her child and is struggling to find support and acceptance in the prison system. We also learn about the difficulties that these mothers face in accessing hormone therapy and other medical treatments that are necessary for their transition.

Despite all of these challenges, the mothers featured in this episode demonstrate a tremendous amount of resilience and strength. They share stories of how they have been able to create bonds with their children despite the distance and isolation that prison imposes. We see how they support each other through difficult times and work to create a sense of community in a place that is often devoid of warmth and compassion.

Overall, "Gay for the Stay" is a powerful and moving episode that sheds light on the challenges that LGBTQ+ mothers face in the prison system. Through the stories of these women, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.