Pride and Shame: The Ups and Downs of Sexual Identity

Hugh Taft-Morales

Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society

For many people, sexual identity and expression is an important part of life.  Shouldn’t Ethical Humanism support them as sources of energy, joy, and pride?!  Unfortunately too often American culture wraps up sexuality in layers of shame, and this can hurt everyone, but especially people seen as not conforming to traditional stereotypes.  And unlike guilt, which is usually about something we did, shame is about who we are. Such shame can be traumatic and even lead to dysfunctional relationships and depression. Hugh Taft-Morales explores the damage done by shame and the joy that should flourish without it.