An Autoethnography of Queer Invisibility: On Shame, Passing and Identity Suicide

This book recounts a personal journey of self-acceptance, focusing on the author's creation and reliance of a persona (Paul D. Drevlin) as a defense mechanism against societal and familial pressures.

Beginning with a childhood marked by traumatic events, the author begins his desire of invisibility, later adopting the persona of Drevlin to navigate societal expectations and challenges, including his struggles with identity, sexuality, and religious conservatism. This book explores how the persona initially provided protection, safety, and acceptance but ultimately led to the self-realization that it was more of a prisoner than a protector.

The aim of this book is to open discussion regarding the shifts in acceptance experienced by the LGBTQ+ community over the years. It underscores the importance of family (whether that be birth family or family of choice) and peer support, community acceptance, and the changing dynamics of LGBTQ+ landscapes. The book also aims to stress the significance of fostering an inclusive society and respecting the diverse identities of individuals, advocating for understanding, empathy, and collective efforts toward equality and acceptance.

Suitable for students studying LGBTQ+ studies, gender studies, sociology, psychology, social work, and creative writing, this book will also appeal to non-academic readers who may find the cultural and family themes significant to their own lives.

David F. Purnell is a visiting professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, where he teaches a specialty class on Communicating Identity and Difference. His publications are mostly related to the focus of this book―issues of identity and shame. David lives in Tacoma, WA, and enjoys exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through his daily walking with and in the various landscapes offered to him.