Giving Shame a Voice: Annie

This is the third edition of our Giving Shame a Voice series.

Read, and learn.

We hope this brings you one step closer to understanding the shame experienced in the GLBT Community, and an even larger step closer to developing empathy and compassion for them.


1. When did you first know that you were gay?

When I was 13 and I had a crush on my friend.

2. Have you ever felt shame? Describe it.

Yes, I described it as a feeling of embarrassment.

3. When, and how, did you become aware that you were experiencing shame?

I always felt that way, but only realized it through therapy.

4. Describe a time when you felt isolated or alone in the world?

All my childhood.

5. Explain a time when you weren't comfortable with yourself. When, or how, did you get to a place where you eventually were?

All my childhood I wasn't comfortable with myself. In prison I got to a place where I actually was.

6. If you could go back and see yourself at a time when you were experiencing shame and darkness, what would you say to your past self?

There's nothing you can say...a person must go through the process of recovering from shame to heal from it

7. What stereotypes apply to the GLBT Community? Have you ever been the victim of such labels?

That we are sinners and evil perverts. Of course.