Perishing if We Publish? The Need for Safe Authorship Opportunities for Intersectionally Marginalized Cons

• In Event: Women of Convict Criminology: Session 1

Abstract

Where authoring academic scholarship that reveals one’s formerly incarcerated identity is dangerous enough, it is compoundingly difficult for women, trans and queer cons of color. When a con identity intersects with other marginal identities, this unequally affects their life chances and experiences as applicants, students, researchers, authors, and faculty members in academic and affiliated institutions. The most disadvantaged racial, gender, and sexuality groups in academia are exponentially more at-risk with a criminal record. However, so many convicts feel compelled to share their narratives and use their experience to inform and enrich their research, writing, and scholarship. There is also a growing intelligentsia contingent who are calling for the inclusion of the con perspective in the construction of criminological knowledge and justice practice. Well, “here we are!” screams their silent inner voice, but they dare not speak. Women, queer, and trans cons of color are less likely to feel secure enough in their positions to reveal their con identity in their scholarship. This work is an exploration of creative ways a con standpoint can be safely invoked and carefully applied by vulnerable groups in research and publishing.

Author

• Denise Woodall, University of Georgia