YOU LIVE INSIDE A BOTTLE AND PRETEND YOU’RE IN A CAN: John Schwenkler’s post on “closeted Christians” in academia reminded me of a conversation I had with a young, conservative lesbian, just after my piece on ex-gay ministries was published at National Review Online.

She expressed surprised that NRO had wanted the piece; and I may be wrong, but I felt as though she was implying that she wouldn’t’ve pitched it to them. Whereas my approach was basically, “Well, this might not work, but hey: I’ll email K-Lo and see what she says.” And Kathryn Lopez proved amazingly supportive, helping me when I had a hard time gaining access to the conference and sending me a follow-up email making clear that she really understood what I was trying to say with the piece. I took a chance on her.

I wonder how often we sit inside cages when the doors are wide open.