James Lecesne Quotes

Powerful James Lecesne for Daily Growth

About James Lecesne

James Lecesne, an American playwright, actor, and filmmaker, was born on May 6, 1959, in New York City. He grew up in a Jewish family with roots deeply embedded in the arts. His father, Irving Lecesne, was a Broadway stage manager, and his mother, Beatrice Lecesne, was an actress and playwright. This exposure to theater significantly influenced James's career choices. Lecesne gained prominence in 1993 with the off-Broadway play "The Missing Generation," which he wrote, performed, and directed. The play, a semi-autobiographical account of the AIDS crisis, won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. This success led to his Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1995 for "Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives," a documentary based on "The Missing Generation." In 2000, Lecesne co-created the Trevor Project's Emmy Award-winning short film series "Trevor," which tells the story of a young boy contemplating suicide due to bullying. His work with the Trevor Project continues to this day, and he serves as a board member. Lecesne's other notable works include his book "Word Is Out: My Close Encounters with America's Straight Women," published in 1996, and his one-man show "When the Words Don't Fit: A Tale of Transformation." His acting credits span Broadway, film, and television, including roles on "Queer as Folk" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Throughout his career, James Lecesne has been a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and the importance of storytelling. His work continues to inspire and impact audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only thing you have to fear is fear itself."

This quote by James Lecesne, originally attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt, emphasizes that fear itself should be the greatest concern for individuals and societies. It suggests that the paralyzing effect of fear can be more damaging than any specific threat or danger. Overcoming fear and replacing it with courage and resilience is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.


"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

This quote by James Lecesne emphasizes resilience and the power of personal agency in the face of adversity or unfavorable circumstances. It suggests that one cannot alter past events, but they can take control of their present situation to positively influence their future. Essentially, it's a call to action for individuals to seize opportunities, grow from past experiences, and create the life they want, rather than being stuck in regret or longing for what once was.


"I am not a victim, I am a survivor."

This quote emphasizes resilience and personal power in the face of adversity. Instead of defining oneself as a "victim," who is passively affected by circumstances, James Lecesne chooses to see himself as a "survivor" - someone who has endured hardships, learned from them, and continues to move forward with strength and determination. It encourages individuals to reclaim their narrative and focus on the empowerment that comes from overcoming challenges rather than dwelling on their suffering.


"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

This quote emphasizes the power of love over hate, suggesting that acts of hatred will not eliminate or mitigate hatred but rather foster more of it. Instead, love is posited as the means to overcome hate, implying that kindness, empathy, and understanding can help break down barriers, bridge divides, and foster healing and harmony in society.


"There is no such thing as normal. Normal is a setting on a washing machine."

This quote challenges societal norms and expectations, suggesting that these standards are artificial constructs rather than universal truths or ideals. Just as the "normal" setting on a washing machine adjusts clothes to fit a predetermined standard, society's notion of 'normal' attempts to mold people according to its own standards, often causing distress and discomfort for those who do not conform. The quote encourages us to recognize the fluidity and diversity in human nature, inviting us to embrace individuality and uniqueness instead of striving for a vague and unattainable standard of 'normal.'


All of us, regardless of how we identify, need a community in which to grow our faith. We require the tangle of other souls to enlarge our hearts, to perfect our relationships with one another and to help us understand more deeply our better Selves (big 'S').

- James Lecesne

Big, Perfect, Other, Tangle

In the early '90s, I wrote a play called 'Word of Mouth' in which I played a number of different characters. One was a thirteen-year-old boy who, through a series of diary entries, realizes that he's gay.

- James Lecesne

Play, Boy, Through, Different Characters

Growing up in a New Jersey suburb, my Catholic faith was an important part of my young life, shaping the way I approached the world.

- James Lecesne

New, Young, Part, Suburb

The Trevor Project is committed to providing all young people, regardless of sexual identity, the opportunity to be heard and the encouragement to be themselves.

- James Lecesne

Young, Committed, Providing, Encouragement

All young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, need someone who's got their back.

- James Lecesne

Gender, Young, Orientation, Sexual

I knew that Jesus loved me, not because the Bible told me so but because my heart was informed by love. And later, for that same reason, I knew I was attracted to boys.

- James Lecesne

Love, Reason, Informed, Attracted

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