“The pain of hiding your true self” by Ruth Clare
Ruth Clare shares the “pain of hiding your true self” through the story of how she traveled to New York City to support her then partner’s dream of being a fashion photographer. Clare did not like the city and one day as she was trying on a pair of boots that would solve all her problems, she had a spinal injury. After this, Clare realizes that she cannot continue to pretend to like the city and contort to fit the expectations of others.
Clare then shares vulnerable moments in her childhood where not being the real her was protection.
She quotes Donald Winnicott: “It is a joy to be hidden and a disaster not to be found.” Clare spent much of her upbringing hiding and then realized that she has to find herself. She also speaks about her fear of being despised after sharing her real self with others and how she went on to challenge that belief.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest achievement.”
Clare ends the talk with this advice: “Don't wait for people to come and find you. Take your true self out of hiding and see how your world changes.”
“The danger of hiding who you are” by Morgana Bailey
Morgana Bailey shares her story of hiding her identity as a lesbian. She reflects on the negative impacts of hiding parts of your identity, especially for people who identity as LGBTQ+.
Bailey courageously comes out on stage and emphasizes the importance of living authentically as who you are. She mentions her struggle to come out because she did not want to be defined by this part of her identity.
She says, “Hiding is a progressive habit, and once you start hiding, it becomes harder and harder to step forward and speak out.”
Bailey challenges the audience to consider the consequences of hiding parts of themselves and encourages empathy for people who are still navigating their identities.
This talk highlights the consequences of hiding who you are and the transformative power of embracing your true self.