Lucas Wilson is an activist, academic and survivor of conversion therapy. Luke has written for about conversion therapy for The Advocate, Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Religion Dispatches, Into, RVA Magazine, and Whosoever, and is currently on a Justice Canada-funded Conversion Therapy Ban Advisory Committee through Wisdom2Action.

Too many of us are not alive to tell our stories, to adequately explain the torture we survived. The words of these survivors is both heartbreaking and immeasurably important. Whether this is new information or you are a survivor of conversion therapy, these stories will break your heart open, letting greater levels of compassion and empathy flow through.--Kevin Miguel Garcia, author of Bad Theology Kills & What Makes You Bloom, spiritual director, and mystical theologian

An inspiration. Written with brutal honesty, sincerity and courage. Shame Sex Attraction reveals heartrending stories of the heroic people who share their harrowing journeys into the horrors and savagery of conversion therapy. My heart moved reading the impact of shame, guilt, and devastation that resulted. However, I rejoice as these brave souls eventually found freedom and authenticity as they forged ahead and embraced their truth and identity. I'm humbled by their vulnerability.--John Paulk Proud gay man, activist, former conversion therapy advocate, and a leader of the "ex-gay" movement

People CAN change... from persecutors or bystanders into allies. The powerful stories collected in this book will open many eyes to the ways that so-called "conversion therapy" tortures folks for daring to live as I created them. Thou shalt read it and pass it on!--@almightygod

Lucas brings together an eclectic and diverse collection of queer writers and their gripping personal tales from the dark world of conversion therapy. Incredibly moving and hard to put down!--Jen Bryant, Fundie Fridays

Survivors are powerful witnesses to the tragedy of 'ex-gay' conversion therapy. In Shame-Sex Attraction, Lucas Wilson shares their moving testimonies and the heartbreak of these toxic programs. He also reveals heroic efforts to rebuild lives of openness and authenticity. If you want to know the truth about conversion efforts, read this fantastic, illuminating book that could change-or even save-your life.--Wayne Besen, Author, Lies with a Straight Face: Exposing the Cranks and Cons Inside the Ex-Gay Industry

An invaluable resource for those in ministry, activists, mental health professionals, and all who support the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. By amplifying survivor stories, we take a critical step toward ensuring that such atrocities never affect future generations. A beacon of hope and a rallying cry for justice.--Rev. Paul M. Turner, editor-in-chief of Whosoever

One of the best ways to prevent a future tragedy is to boldly share the stories of past tragedies. Wilson has compiled numerous stories sharing the tragedy of conversion therapy. Whether or not you are queer, a person of faith, or both, these stories should move you to make sure such abuse is never inflicted upon the queer community ever again.--Mason Mennenga, YouTuber and podcast host of A People's Theology

Shame-Sex Attraction is a ground-breaking, timely, and indispensable collection of powerful, redemptive stories of survivors of conversion practices. This book is essential reading for mental health professionals, religious leaders, parents, and, especially, those who deserve to know that they are worthy of love and respect, exactly as they are. These stories will transform and save lives.--Dr. Christine Robinson, Professor of Justice Studies, James Madison University

Shame Sex Attraction provides a critical and compassionate window into the history of attempts to change and suppress LGBTQ2S+ people's gender and sexuality. It relates the confusion, heartbreak, hopes and triumphs experienced as people journey to discover that the core truths of their selves are not incompatible.--Timothy Jones, Associate Professor, Latrobe University

This edited collection is a welcome and important addition to the critical interrogation and the life altering consequences of so-called "conversion therapy practices," which are still shockingly used around the world. By sharing first-hand accounts of the devastating impacts of these illegitimate and immoral practices, Dr. Wilson centers the voices of survivors as a powerful call to action, reconciliation, and healing. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book and learn how survivors, through their very strength, courage, and resilience, have transformed shame into pride.--Dr. Kristopher Wells, Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth, MacEwan University

It's a heartbreaking and galvanizing exposé.--Publishers Weekly

The stories in Shame-Sex Attraction provide nuance and humanity regarding the experiences of survivors of conversion therapy. This is a potent intervention at a time when political protections for LGBTQ+ people are under threat. The collection re-empowers us to continue the fight.--Travis Salway, Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University

A powerful anthology about cruelty, perseverance and pride told through the voices of conversion "therapy" survivors. In the face of attempts to pathologize the soul and deny the human condition, these stories remind us of the unbreakable spirit of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Wilson's moving collection is a timely reminder of just how fragile freedom can be and an important read about the realities of the "progress" we've made.--Nicholas Schiavo Founder, No Conversion Canada

Dear reader, please listen, truly listen, to the voices in this book. Their courage will literally save lives and help someone embrace who they truly are instead of self-harm or even suicide. Once you have read the book, pass it along or even get another copy for a loved one you believe needs to hear that people can be happy, healthy, and whole as an LGBTQ+ person.

I love that Luke and his team left the stories in various states of evolution and in the natural "voice' of the ones sharing their stories. Just like life, the journey continues and everyone has their own journey. Your journey includes this book, so be brave just like the beautiful ones sharing their hearts with you.

--Randy Scobey, former EVP of Exodus International

This powerful collection of survivor stories lays bare the devastating impact of conversion therapy while celebrating the resilience of those who have endured it. Through raw, unflinching narratives, Shame-Sex Attraction reveals the human cost of these harmful practices and the strength it takes to reclaim one's identity and voice.--- Peterson Toscano, co-founder of Beyond Ex-Gay and creator of Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House

Haunting yet humorous, heartbreaking yet hopeful. This book presents a rich array of brave and beautiful first-hand accounts from queer and trans people who have survived conversion therapy. While each narrator speaks with a distinct voice and offers distinct insights, they unite around the same conviction: These practices harm. These practices kill. These practices can be survived. These practices must be resisted--Dr. William Stell, Faculty Fellow, New York University

Wilson presents an unflinching collection of first-person testimonies that expose the profound damage inflicted by conversion therapy in its many forms. These voices-survivors of psychological, emotional, and spiritual harm-speak with raw honesty, demanding that we bear witness to their experiences. Wilson has assembled an essential book that calls us not only to acknowledge the cruelty of these so-called 'treatments' but to commit ourselves to meaningful change, compassion, and healing--Dr. Chris Babits, Associate Director of Educational Initiatives & Innovation, Utah State University

A challenging read, but incredibly well-written. This book will be an asset to any library's LGBTQIA+ collection.--Jennifer Moore from Library Journal

An incredibly moving book. Wilson leads with comprehensive research that integrates intersectional stories describing the lived experience of queer survivors of conversion therapy. These stories are powerful and crucial to understanding the history of trauma within diverse queer experiences, especially in religious contexts. This must-read contributes to a broader understanding of the current landscape of queer rights and activism, and is masterfully written from a collective of incredible, diverse queer voices. Buy it. Read it. Share it. And increase the level of awareness that leads to change.--Meghan Crozier, The Pursuing Life, Co-Host of Thereafter Podcast

Conversion therapy is a rare kind of evil, a personal gaslighting machine that tries to convince young people that everything about who they are is a lie. That they have no means for genuine connection with themselves, and thus no sense of true self. Despite everything we know about it, the stories and testimonies and survival narratives are all too rare. The chapters in Shame-Sex Attraction bring you into the skin of those who have experienced something horrific and somehow survived. I don't mean their perspective. Or their feelings. I'm talking about being enveloped in bodies that are forced and coerced into contortion. Reading these stories, one understands, albeit briefly and partially, how so many have been taught that the only way to be true to themselves is to understand that everything about themselves is a lie. And yet they bring hope and inspire wonder-set you in awe of humans, despite humanity. Wilson's introduction helpfully sets the practice of conversion therapy in context, providing thorough evidence of their harm. Compelling reading on an oft-overlooked phenomenon. Don't miss it.--Bradley Onishi, Author of Preparing for War and Co-Host of the Straight White American Jesus Podcast

Wilson's Shame-Sex Attraction gives you all you need to know about conversion 'therapy' in one powerful compilation. This collection exposes the devastating, discredited religious practices that have scarred tens of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals for decades. Shame-Sex Attraction is also a bold contribution to the global fight to end these harmful practices. I recommend this work to therapists, politicians, legislators, and religious people questioning outdated beliefs about sexuality and gender. For Christians clinging to the idea that being gay or transgender is abnormal or something to 'fix, ' this book delivers an uncompromising confrontation of the human cost of such beliefs. For survivors, it's a reminder they are not alone. The shame is not theirs to bear-it belongs to those who perpetuate these practices.--- Anthony Venn-Brown, Anti-Conversion Therapy Advocate and Author of A Life of Unlearning

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Pub date: 2025-01-21

Length: 192 pages