Conversion Therapy Dropout
A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging
- History & Biography
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Broadleaf Books (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
"An unflinching account of finding a faith that fits." -- Publishers Weekly "A compelling journey of faith, healing, and finding purpose." -- Kirkus Reviews A gay Christian's behind-the-scenes account of evangelical megachurches and eight years in conversion therapy before finding wholeness and authenticity. Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez was an invisible architect behind evangelical Christianity's digital empire, crafting messages of belonging for some of the most influential megachurches--Hillsong Church, Elevation Church, Willow Creek--all while secretly questioning his own place within the faith. In a desperate attempt to "fix" himself, he turned to conversion therapy, spending eight years trying to pray the gay away. And he wasn't alone. More than 700,000 people in the US have undergone some form of conversion therapy. Even though Exodus International, the largest ex-gay organization, closed in 2013, the practice still thrives in many conservative religious communities. After years of this harmful "therapy," Schraeder Rodriguez's sexuality never changed. But his faith did. The more time he spent in evangelical Christianity, the more he witnessed the hypocrisy of institutions that claimed to love everyone while quietly pushing people like him into silence. But Schraeder Rodriguez wouldn't remain silent. Instead, he forged a new path, discovering a vibrant faith beyond the constraints of non-affirming theology and finding a community that embraced his whole self. Conversion Therapy Dropout is a behind-the-scenes look at megachurch culture, the hidden harm of non-affirming Christian spaces, and the ongoing impact of conversion therapy on gay Christians. This isn't just a coming-out story--it's about what happens after. About rebuilding a life outside the only world you've ever known. And the radical act of stepping into the light after being told your whole life to stay in the shadows. Sometimes, the greatest act of faith isn't holding on--it's letting go. Continue the discussion with the Conversion Therapy Dropout discussion guide.
Endorsements (13)
“Schraeder Rodriguez guides us through evangelical megachurching, private struggle, and public silence--and what emerges is rooted in honesty, compassion, and the sacred claim that all people are made in God's image. A powerful contribution to both queer theology and the future of faith communities.”
“This raw and moving read offers a critical look into the realities of undergoing conversion therapy--a dangerous, discredited practice that, sadly, continues to harm young people across the United States today. Schraeder Rodriguez's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of our community.”
“I wish I had this book when I was twenty-five, when I was still trying to fit my queerness into the shape of what I was taught God could love. I pray it's read widely and leaves ripples of hope in its wake.”
“Conversion Therapy Dropout offers an incisive look into the 'quiet, desperate choices' queer people face when buried deep inside harmful theology. Schraeder Rodriguez has gifted readers another important entry in the canon of conversion therapy survivors' stories, tracing not only his own harrowing journey but also the context of a movement that continues to exploit vulnerable Christians to this day. This is an essential memoir, especially for those navigating the complex terrain of being a queer Christian in the twenty-first century.”
“As a queer man navigating faith, identity, and belonging, Schraeder Rodriguez challenges the harmful systems that shaped him and reclaims his story with honesty and heart.”
“There's no manual for being gay, but in Conversion Therapy Dropout, Schraeder Rodriguez offers something more powerful: raw, radiant field notes on survival, belonging, and becoming.”
“A wildly honest, hopefully potent true story--one that's bound to ruffle feathers, turn over tables, and change minds. Powerful, earnest, this book is a grace for queer folk and our allies and a lifeline for those still existing in closets or among unaffirming communities.”
“Rarely have I read something so capable of breaking a heart and mending it in the same breath. This is a book I will be sharing with everyone I know who still believes the gospel is good news for us all.”
“In today's increasingly polarized world, nuanced narratives like this are essential for building bridges of empathy and unconditional love. I felt so deeply connected to this story of searching for faith as a queer person, and I know I won't be the last."”
“Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez doesn't just survive the machine that nearly destroyed him--he dismantles it, helping to shut down the largest 'ex-gay' ministry in the world. This story is so outrageous that it reads like spiritual fiction, except every devastating detail is true. Conversion Therapy Dropout is a mesmerizing memoir about the secret life of the most influential Christian you've never heard of. But more than that, it's a masterpiece of spiritual archaeology, unearthing hope from the ruins of religious trauma. A rare book that manages to be both a love letter to the church and a manifesto for its overdue transformation.”
“This book needs to be read. It needs to be read by people who are looking for a freedom denied them by their faith communities. It also needs to be read by people who lead those faith communities, making reckless promises and capitalizing on wasting the energies, time--and sometimes lives--of those whose dignity deserves to be recognized, not rubbished.”
“Pardon my blasphemy, but oh my g*d this book is a triumph. It should be an HBO dramedy; it will break your heart but also make you howl with laughter.”
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