Clubs Quote by James Pearse Connelly
“I was a gay kid in high school in the late '90s, and I was in theater club. I was never a thespian. I was much more of a lighting guy or a backstage guy. Because I wanted to do something easy for the rest of my life, I thought, "Maybe I'll go and apply to colleges that specialize in theater set design. I'll do that. That's what I want to do". With theater, really, I'd be around the gays.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Personal memoir, 2020
A gay teen in the 1990s used theater backstage work as a safe space and career path, seeking ease and community.
In simple terms: He found belonging in theater lighting and backstage roles, aiming for a simple, supportive future.
Key Takeaway
Seek environments that align with identity and practical goals.
Themes
identity
career
community
self‑acceptance
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
personal narrative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- high school
- college applications
- career decisions
- creative industries
Key Concepts
LGBTQ+ experience
career planning
social belonging
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance safety with ambition?
- What communities support your authentic self?
A Different Perspective
May limit personal growth if comfort outweighs challenge.
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