Cloud 9 Sexuality & Sexual Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Cloud 9. Caryl Churchill. Routledge, 2000.

Quote #1

"I suppose getting married wouldn't be any worse than killing myself." (1.4.158-159)

After Clive finds out Harry's true sexual preference for men, he tells Harry he'll have to get married. Harry's other option was to commit suicide in order to escape the shame of being gay in a homophobic society. But he figures that getting married can't be worse than doing away with himself.

Quote #2

"I'm a lesbian." (2.1.101)

Lin says this to Victoria pretty much out of the blue. We're not sure if anything in their prior relationship would have prepared Victoria for this, but whatever way you look at it, the announcement comes pretty abruptly. Only a few pages later, Lin adds that she would like to have sex with Vicky. She's not ashamed of her sexual preferences, and makes a good enough pitch to make Victoria seriously consider the offer.

Quote #3

"No listen Vicky. I'd rather be a woman. I wish I had breasts like that, I think they're beautiful. Can I touch them?" (2.2.618-620)

Edward is Victoria's brother; but that doesn't stop him from wanting to touch her breasts. But the touch isn't only a sexual one. Edward wants to touch the breasts because he wants to have them himself. Edward is bisexual, and he identifies as a woman. Yeah, you're going to have to start thinking more and more outside the box if you want to keep up with Churchill.