Hi Anthony,

I’ve been looking forward to Tim’s memoir for a couple of reasons. First, it is great to have another Australian conversion “therapy” survivor memoir published. Second, it speaks to a different audience—those raised in Catholic homes and schools—who may not see themselves reflected in stories like mine. How many LGBTQ young people are out there in catholic homes and schools who are feeling alone, not sure of God’s love or the families or church’s acceptance? They have either heard negative things about LGBTQ people and the community, as Tim did, or just as bad, utter silence.

The Truth Shall Set You Free: Growing Up Gay in Opus Dei is a great read.

Tim has lived an extraordinary life: a child opera singer with over 100 performances at the Sydney Opera House, the heartthrob Ethan in Dance Academy, a major role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine—And that is only the tip of the iceberg.  It’s a stark reminder that someone can appear to be “living the dream" but behind the scenes is chaos, drama and self-loathing. I lost count of how many times he flew back and forth from Australia to Hollywood, chasing romance and career, but never really finding what he longed for or lasting happiness. 

What struck me most was something I’ve seen time and again: that being labelled “evil,” “disordered,” or “unnatural” leaves scars that can take decades to heal.

Readers can tell if the author is holding something back, and the work lacks authenticity but Tim has taken off the mask, revealed his soul. It’s an enormous risk to be so honest. But he’s done it and done it well to produce a memoir that is raw, brave, and deeply authentic.

The Truth Shall Set You Free: Growing Up Gay in Opus Dei is a reminder to us all that before the truth can set you free, you must discover and reject the lie that enslaved you. The lie that it is not okay to be LGBTQ and if you embrace your true self, you risk eternal damnation.

Tim’s final chapters are a fitting conclusion - a celebration of his coming home to himself, finding peace, freedom and purpose. The perfect way to wrap up a cracking memoir. 

READ FULL REVIEW HERE

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Founder & CEO, Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International

www.abbi.org.au