Roxane Gay

And I would like to see something else next to it.

And I'm like, well, we have the same last name, so perhaps you should write something.

That's a handy skill.

Yes, that's true.

I'm sure they would have quite the time.

Yes, exactly.

Oh, well, I mean, I think she'll admit she came out at 50.

I remember the alternative definition of Santorum very fondly.

It's really unpleasant and it involves semen.

And speaking of grandparents, your grandmother was one of your favorite people.

My favorite person.

And you said that she was encouraging of your confidence.

You've said it delighted her when you were yourself.

How did that help you to stay confident, especially as a woman, as a gay woman growing up in a world where women are often told, as you well know, to make ourselves smaller?

Yeah.

And, you know, it's interesting to see how some people are able to just do that and then others stay in that place until they're ready or until they're shoved out.

Yeah.

Yes.

You have seen the AIDS crisis during college.

And I think for many of us, that was formative.