---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I say \"on principle\" [regarding 'lesbian…"
description: "\"I say \"on principle\" [regarding 'lesbian writer'] because whenever you get one of your minority labels applied, like \"Irish Writer,\" \"Canadian Writer,\"..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a69/emma-donoghue-1499_canada_i-say-on-principle-regarding-lesbian-wri_3102220.png"
---

#  I say "on principle" \[regarding 'lesbian writer'\] because…

![“I say &quot;on principle&quot; &#91;regarding 'lesbian writer'&#93; because whenever you get one of your minority labels applied, like &quot;Irish Writer,&quot; &quot;Canadian Writer,&quot; &quot;Woman Writer,&quot; &quot;Lesbian Writer&quot; - any of those categories - you always slightly wince because you're afraid that people will think that means…” quote by Emma Donoghue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a69/emma-donoghue-1499_canada_i-say-on-principle-regarding-lesbian-wri_3102220.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a69/emma-donoghue-1499_canada_i-say-on-principle-regarding-lesbian-wri_3102220.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a69/emma-donoghue-1499_canada_i-say-on-principle-regarding-lesbian-wri_3102220.png)

> “I say "on principle" \[regarding 'lesbian writer'\] because whenever you get one of your minority labels applied, like "Irish Writer," "Canadian Writer," "Woman Writer," "Lesbian Writer" - any of those categories - you always slightly wince because you're afraid that people will think that means you're only going to write about Canada or Ireland, you know.”

[Emma Donoghue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emma-donoghue/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Labeling writers by identity can limit perceived scope and reinforce stereotypes.

**In simple terms:** Identity tags may narrow expectations.

Key Takeaway

Resist pigeonholing authors.

Themes

identity stereotypes creative freedom

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

reflective social

When to use this quote

- publishing
- marketing
- author branding

Key Concepts

intersectionality authorial agency

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance identity visibility with artistic breadth?
- What impact do labels have on readership?

A Different Perspective

Labels can empower but also constrain.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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