Here’s a WIN for you, Shannon. I relate to so much of what you say — and I am in awe of your ability to put yourself out there and risk saying it. It’s incredibly difficult for those of us on the margins to take such risks; I hide behind a pseudonym thinking that it will protect me from criticism. It doesn’t, but it does focus the attacks in a way that makes them less personal and therefore easier to deal with. I hope you are able to continue writing the way you do. I know it benefits more people than just me.