Tennessee Williams on Affection

Sailors relaxing in World War II




Affection is so vital-- emotional oxygen--that it will be sought, craved, and accepted in any form. I believe that we are human beings; I believe that we die if we cannot love and be loved; I believe that we are no longer worthy if we cannot share affection with others and ease their way. I do not believe that affection recognizes gender, and I do not confuse affection with sex, with glandular dancing or sweaty actions that blot out reality. Affection amplifies reality and it amplifies our humanity. Honest affection cannot be queer or straight: It can only be human, and it can never be enough.



Tennessee Williams to James Grissom
New Orleans
1982


©  2014  James Grissom

Comments

Popular Posts