Celebrate Pride month by reading these books

“The Embarrassing Charm: The Story of Survivor’s Transformation Therapy”
Lucas FW Wilson
c.2025, Jessica Kingsley Publishing
$21.95/190 pages

You’re a few months and it’s not getting easier.

You have made a New Year’s resolution with visionary, purpose and determination, but after all this time, you are still struggling. You are a backslid. You were fooled because it was difficult to change. That’s sometimes impossible. And in the new book, “The Charm of Shame” By Lucas FW Wilson, it can be very traumatic.

Progress does not come without any problems.

It is true that the LGBTQ community is being negatively affected by the current administration, but there is still something to be satisfied with when it comes to civil rights and acceptance. Still, “the slow moving aspect, especially the battle with what is widely known as conversion therapy,” says Wilson.

Such practices “have a lot of damage, die, and undoubtedly dire consequences,” he says. The stories he collected in this volume reflect that, but also reflect the confidence and strength he faces harmful treatment.

Author Gregory Elsusser Chavez was told to smoke some repellent every time he thought of other men. He says he ultimately decided that he would not “pray gay people.” Instead, he said, “I’ll sniff it off.”

D. Apple became her “my conversation therapist” by exhausting herself in service to others as a treatment. Peter Nun’s father took him on a surprise trip, but the surprise was a conversion facility. Nun’s father said if that doesn’t work, he would “shill away” his 15-year-old son. Chime Levin was forced to humiliate himself as part of his treatment.

Lexi Bean struggled to make therapist realize he didn’t want to be a man because he was “both.” Jordan Sullivan writes “Reintegrating and becoming a Whole” after conversion therapy. Chris CSABS writes that “I tried everything to find the root of my problem,” but that “nothing has gone well so far.”

“My heart was shattered many times as people tried to console each other and encourage each other,” said Syre Klenke of the Group Translation Session.

Here are a few tips to read “The Charm of Shame.” Soak in the first chapter, perhaps the second chapter, then go back and read the preface and introduction, then read your resume.

Reason: The intro of author Lucas FW Wilson is deep and sudden, full of footnotes and statistics. If you are not ready or come for education, it may scare you. No, the subtitle of this book is likely the reason you choose the book, so that’s what you really wanted.

sorry. The first story is brave and they train you for the rest, for the sake of emotions and tears, fear, and unexpected humor.

Please note that this book has a trigger, especially if you are exposed to something like conversion therapy yourself. But remember that survivors are just that: they are survivors, and their strength is what makes this book worthwhile. Still, “embarrassing charm” is an essential read, but it doesn’t make it easier.

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