The themes and stories behind the lyrics to this song were gathered during a workshop on the theme of ‘Coming Out’, which took place during the 2023 Shrewsbury LGBT+ History Festival.  It was a workshop which particularly focused on the little recognised phenomena that LGBT+ people, ‘come out’ continuously throughout their lives. The words of workshop participants were taken away and creatively constructed into this original piece by singer-song-writer and workshop facilitator Beth Prior.

And then tell us about your own experiences, on our ‘capture’ page: https://www.lgbtsand.com/coming-out-experience-log/

Fools Fact

The first time,
I was scared.
It took a lot to hold my voice all steady as I spoke my truth out clear...

But the last time,
Was only yesterday.
When yet again I had to say the words that people seem to fear, but it wouldn't be bad if they'd actually hear that...

I figured out who I am...
(many, many years ago)
I didn't know I'd need a plan...
(to help you understand)

The first time,
I was full of pride,
And the pain of not living my truth would be abated, and if anyone's got a problem with that they need to be educated.

So I protest for my rights, I protest for my life, I protest invisibility, we are to be seen and never unseen...

I figured out who I am...
(many, many years ago)
I didn't know I'd need a plan...
(to help you understand)

Cos' there cannot be inclusion if there's danger in the room, and fight + flight becomes your inner tune. You cannot fear if you truly understand that real love is given and received with your heart in your hands.

So I strut through my days in the place where decisions are made, one, after one, after one, after another...

Oh and I was told it was a phase, but no matter how you talk it it'll put you back in your place, so ask yourself - Who are you saving?

Is it you?
Is it them?
How are you relating?

If there was no praise and no blame, who would you be?

Oh who would I be?
Who would I be?

I figured out who I am,
I figured out who I am,
I figured out who I am,
I didn't know I'd need a plan.

But assumption is a fools fact laid out as truth.

(fools fact, fools fact, fools fact, it's a fools fact)