We are survivors.

We were subjected to dehumanizing practices by people who sought our erasure.

We believe telling our stories is both powerful and political.

This edited collection brings together the experiences of those who have been subjected to queer conversion therapy - it is an effort to expose conversion practices for what they are - pseudoscientific, bogus, ineffective, and wildly traumatic - and to recognise and listen to survivors. With contributions from Gregory Elsasser-Chavez, Chaim J. Levin, Lexie Bean, Syre Klenke, and many more from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum - this is an attempt to ensure that what happened within these pages cannot - and will not - happen to future generations.

A collection of stories about anti-gay conversion therapy from those who have survived it.

About the Author
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.

Reviews
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



Book Information
ISBN 9781805011323
Author Lucas Wilson
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers