We are never completely free of shame acquired in childhood, adolescence, and early adult life, and the mere assertion of “gay pride” does not undo it; it hides it. The ability to consciously recognize shame when it attempts to play itself out can transform our lives. In recognizing shame, we can decide to interrupt its inclinations and play things out differently. In doing that, we sometimes get better results, and our shame and self-doubt slowly diminish.
