The Possibilities and Limits of Queer Space Theory: Through the Prism of the Women's Prison Estate

This thesis is an attempt at conceptualising an imaginary queer prison. This project can better our understanding of both the possibilities of, and limits of queer space theory as well as offering an original comment on the future of the women's prison estate. Imagining a queer prison is not only a unique theoretical contribution but aims to alleviate the potentially harmful effects the gendered nature of prison has on LGBTQ prisoners. This thesis builds on the vast literature that supposes the relationship between space and identity are complex. Our built environment is neither value-free nor neutral, but rather, gender is formed through 'places' and 'spaces', operating "covertly within a system of power relations to perpetuate or transmit social values, which may stand to subvert or support hegemonic power" (Lico, 2001, p. 31).

While we do not have exact figures of LGBTQ prisoners in the UK, it is estimated that 22% of women in prison identify as non-heterosexual (Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile, 2021). Research on openly bisexual and gay women in prison is scarce; this may, in part, be a reflection on the idea that women's prisons are more accepting of diverse gender and sexuality expressions. However, Carr et al (2016) reports that both homophobia and transphobia remain "serious problems" (p. 15), with lesbian and bisexual women facing an "undercurrent of stigma". Firstly, then, this thesis needs to better understand the experiences of lesbian and bisexual women in prison, specifically exploring the negotiation of space.

(Re)imagining the prison is not a path untrodden. Jeremy Bentham reimagined the prison as a panopticon (1785), Hillary Cottam reimagined the prison as a learning environment (2011), Will Aslop as a creative space (2006), and Jewkes reimagined a prison built on the architecture of hope (2018). Although some of these imaginations are never fully realised, or built, the impact on broader discussions of prison architecture and design is vast. The legacy of Bentham's panopticon is unparalleled in prison architecture, and indeed architecture more widely. Aslop and Cottam's creative intentions have not gone unnoticed, with more conversations than ever focussed on expanding learning and creative opportunities in prison and Jewkes' impact has been recognised by both academic audiences (UKRI Impact Fund award) and HMPPS, not only has the architecture of hope inspired the new Limerick women's prison but has resulted in two prisons removing window bars - an otherwise, naturalised, and normalised staple of prison architecture.

This thesis uses queer space theory to underpin the imaginary queer prison. Queering space' refers not to spaces and places used or appropriated by non-heterosexual people, but a strategy used to challenge behaviours, rules and expectations framed by our built environment (Doderer, 2011). Thus, queering space can be used as a tool for re-exploring, re-functioning, transforming, and contesting exclusionary and oppressive spaces. The term, however, according to Moore (2020) remains contested. More specifically, the processes of queering a space, definitions of both 'space' and 'queer', and indeed which spaces can and cannot be 'queered' are underdeveloped and inconsistent in the literature. By first, examining how queer space is conceptualised more broadly, and indeed the key characteristics of queer space, we can better understand the nature and shared characteristics of spaces we might think of as a 'queer space'.

With a better understanding of lesbian and bisexual women's experience in prison, in combination with a better, more nuanced understanding of queer space, we can then begin imagining what then, the imaginary queer prison might hold.