quite literally thought and felt that I would never be good, correct, moral, or holy simply because of the existence of my sexuality. Purity culture had long convinced me that there was no greater measure of my character or worth than if I remained utterly unsexual and virginal until my wedding day. I felt like I would lose everything my life was supposed to be about unless I somehow managed to separate myself completely from my sexual identity and impulses and the stress of this inner battle consumed me. It affected the way I interacted with and treated my body at every turn, and I became
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