For the Love of Prison Wife Memes

Because Friday is for memes and these are the best

I’ve been collecting memes from prison wife accounts since I started researching this topic in 2016.

They are often hilarious and poignant, and illustrate the agony and ecstasy of loving someone behind bars.

They take pride in the prison wife identity— sacrifice, loyalty, military-level logistics and organization, riding hard, deep and abiding love.

They also speak to some of the power imbalances inherent in these relationships. But they are funny, always.

And sex!

Or lack thereof….

Sometimes the loyalty that’s expected of and from prison wives can be extreme

#relatable

Prison wives often talk about the stigma they face not only from society but in the system itself. Dr. Avon Hart-Johnson named this “vicarious imprisonment.”

So often, I heard women talk about getting way more than they bargained for when they got into a relationship with someone in prison. Women form supportive, loving communities through these IG accounts and support groups, and are able to share their joys and sorrows. Seeing the friendships that formed among prison wives was one of the coolest and most surprising aspects of my reporting.

And also the presence they give their relationships, which is something we can all stand to learn!!!

Here I am with Jo, the star of LOVE IN THE TIME OF INCARCERATION, in 2017.

Pre-order the new and improved hot pink version with even more Jo updates and wisdom here!

Meme credit to @strongprisonwives @texas_prison_wife @loveforaprisoner @ridingshotgunn @mylifeasaprisonwife