Are animals aware of their nakedness? Or is the realization of one’s nakedness—and all of the shame that may accompany this realization—the exclusive privilege of the human being?

I hadn’t even thought to consider that moment in Jeffrey’s backyard as a queer experience until I took this class. I don’t know what this story means for me.

That day I learned how to stay quiet when I feel uncomfortable and to let the world place labels on me. This story told me that if I don’t quite know who I am, the world will tell me, and it’s easier to allow it. It would be years before I understood that easier did not mean better, and only now am I beginning to retell my story.

This was a letter written by one of our class members to/for their old evangelical non-denominational church who had removed them from a worship band leadership position after they publicly revealed their gay relationship with their partner (now fiancée!).

When I was in sixth grade, I had a boyfriend. I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time, but our relationship exhibited the same intimacy that other future relationships held.

My coming out was hand in hand with continued revelation of my calling. My sexuality had to be connected to my faith.

She did not rob me of the opportunity to speak and therefore diffuse shame and reclaim power. She gave me the gift of speaking, even in the midst of fear.