Concluding Reflection

Thank you

As I pause and look back over the past months of writing, teaching, and community-building with this page, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and growth. What began as a space to explore gender, identity, and social justice has become something more: a living archive of questions asked, voices heard, and connections fostered.

I remember when I published the first post here — I didn’t know who exactly would read it. I wrote from a place of hope: that perhaps someone, somewhere would recognize themselves in my words, or cradle a new idea gently enough to let it grow. Over time, I’ve seen that hope turn into tangible community, subtle shifts in understanding (mine and others’), and small but meaningful encouragement from readers who’ve stayed, commented, or carried a piece of this work into their own lives.

There were moments of doubt, too — days when the writing felt heavy, or when I wondered whether this space was enough, or even worth it. But in revisiting old drafts and reading past comments, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come: not just as a teacher or a writer, but as someone learning alongside others. I see shifts in my own thinking, sharper questions, and deeper empathy for the multiplicity of human experiences.

Looking ahead, I want this space — whether I continue writing here or channel what I’ve learned into other projects — to remain rooted in honesty, curiosity, and community. I want to carry forward the lessons of listening carefully: to difference, to discomfort, to possibility. I want to trust that even small ideas, penned with care and vulnerability, can ripple outward.

To everyone who read, reflected, pushed back, or held these ideas with me — thank you. I am excited to be back with you in January to talk about LGBTQ Issues in Film and Literature.

With gratitude and hope,

Rachel

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash