pg 72 “Everyone always said you found the right man. my mother said it, which was confusing. My auntie said it, which was even more confusing.” -Jeanette Winterson
This passage encompasses one of the greatest conflicts in most coming-out stories, which is the reaction of one’s family. In this case, a super religious family is hell-bent on the idea that Jeanette is straight and aspires to marry. Knowing that a family has such expectations will keep one from coming out for the simple fact that revealing the true identity could result in strained relationships and even homelessness, not to mention self-loathing. Jeanette, in this passage, is both confused and discouraged as while she feels she is gay, she is afraid of what her family will think and how they will react. Judging by the language used, specifically referring to how auntie was “even more confusing,” it is obvious Jeanette cares more deeply about her family’s perception of her, specifically her aunt, than the material punishments.