Brothers Behind Bars, by Myrlin
BBB Forum
Since its founding in 1974, RFD magazine has always maintained a deep concern for our gay brothers held in prison, and included a column entitled Brothers Behind Bars (BBB). However, as the prison population increased, and word of our service spread, the number of ads increased exponentially. Even paring the 30-word ads to the bare essentials, the size of the column continued to grow. A few years ago, the editors made a decision to change the published format to a new smaller column, Prison Pages, with the Brothers Behind Bars section created as a standalone feature that could be ordered separately. This decision has allowed the size and scope of the list to expand. Currently, both the Prison Pages column and the BBB standalone are coordinated and edited by Myrlin. Generally, the Prison Pages article is 2 to 3 pages, while BBB varies from 14 to 20 pages depending on the number of ads, as well as poetry and art samples, received from inside the wall.
For the Spring 2006 issue, I processed well over 300 pieces of mail and mailed out 200 plus responses from and to gay, bi, trans men and an occasional female inmate, all caught up in the so called “criminal/justice” system. Many of then readily acknowledge their deeds that brought them there, while others maintain their innocence of the charges brought against them. The thing that stands out most in all of these letters is the amount of gratitude these folk feel for the efforts we are making to connect them with quality correspondents, as it gives them the one thing the prison system does not and cannot offer: HOPE! Even if they have placed previous ads with no response, they still thank us for being there for them. I am well aware that for some, my canned letter with its short dropped-in comment may be the only mail they have received in weeks. So, the thought that you, our readers, will choose to obtain a copy of BBB and drop a line to one or more of these lonely folk brings joy to my heart and HOPE to those waiting your words of kindness and warmth.
But the BBB list not only provides HOPE to those within the walls, but also to many men who deal with their own loneliness. I have been writing inmates off and on since the mid-80s, many originally listed in RFD. One of these provided the love and acceptance I needed at a time I struggled with my own self-identity, and helped me over the hurdle of “coming out” and finally dealing with my own issues of being Christian and gay. I am sure others have had such dramatic encounters as well. In the process I have met some incredible artists and some very deep thinkers. In turn, I have received some very warm gifts and a great deal of love and affection.
Here are some comments received from several of our readers, and an acknowledgement from one using our services.
Dear RFD, I am 77 and have encountered some of the most fabulous men ever. Please send me your latest listing. New Milford, Ct.
Dear Myrlin, I have been active in the prison reform issues and human social justice issues have been a big part of life, and so I have great respect for your efforts and deep compassion. I have received a few letters over the years and formed some friendships as a pen pal to several people over many years. My contacts have not always been good ones, but over all they have been a great blessing to me. I have been writing to a man “Dennis” who will be released in September of 06 and . . . hopefully we will meet sometime in the following year and continue our relationship as real friends. Albuquerque, NM.
Dear friends, A pen pal friend of mine in a prison in Texas wrote me telling me about you. I am seeking pen friends. In jail or not is fine with me. German Valley, IL. [Even inmates refer their pen friends to us.]
From an inmate who was up for parole at the end of 2005:
“It is a good thing you\’re doing. The truth is people in prison have made bad decisions, but that doesn\’t make them bad people. Also being gay/bi, or transgendered allows for further discrimination and harassment by the prison administration. Once again, thank you for your kindness and I pray that someone takes the time to connect with me. I feel I bring a lot of character to the table.”
The bottom line: ”There, but for the Grace of God, Go I” resonates quite loudly. The system doesn\’t care; so who is left to care? We do make a difference. So, first and foremost I urge you to pick up pen and paper and request the BBB list by writing Brothers Behind Bars at PO Box 68, Liberty, TN 37095-0068. To cover postage and production costs we are requesting a donation of $3.00 to $10.00 per copy of the list. To contact Myrlin directly, use the Contact form and choose Brothers Behind Bars.
