Shame on YOU

What We Can Learn from the Trans Experience of Shame

At nine years old, my nose was rubbed into a foundational experience of shame. I was in Music Class, and our teacher, Mr. Matzek, had a learn-by-listening period (which meant a study hall while he played music of his choice). I was drawing because I’d finished my homework. Terry Hair (yeah, that was really his name) said, “Beeler, betcha can’t draw a naked lady!” This, of course, roused the interest of every boy within earshot, so I took the bait and drew a nude woman, in a kneeling pose, showing only her back side. I…