Picture an American storyteller who turned personal pain into a powerful call for change—meet Garrard Conley! Best known for his memoir Boy Erased, Conley transformed his harrowing experience with conversion therapy into a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ rights. His raw, compassionate voice has captivated readers and inspired a major film, making him a vital figure in contemporary literature and activism.
Born in the heart of the Bible Belt, Conley’s journey from a small-town Arkansas kid to a global advocate is as gripping as his writing. His story isn’t just about survival—it’s about rewriting the narrative for countless others.
The Making of Garrard Conley
Garrard Conley was born in 1984 or 1985 in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and later raised in Mountain Home. The son of a Southern Baptist preacher and former car salesman, Conley grew up steeped in fundamentalist Christianity. His early life revolved around church, where his father’s sermons about the rapture shaped his worldview. As a teenager, Conley grappled with his sexuality in a community that viewed being gay as a sin. After being outed at 19 during his time at Lyon College, he faced an ultimatum from his parents: undergo conversion therapy or lose his family. This pivotal moment set the stage for his writing and advocacy.
Garrard Conley’s Unforgettable Stories
Conley’s breakout work, Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family (2016), is a gut-wrenching yet hopeful account of his time at Love in Action, a conversion therapy program. Written with poetic clarity, the memoir explores the clash between his faith and sexuality, offering a nuanced portrait of his family’s intentions and his own resilience. The book’s impact was amplified by its 2018 film adaptation, directed by Joel Edgerton and starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe.
Beyond Boy Erased, Conley has contributed essays to outlets like The New York Times, TIME, and VICE, where his introspective style tackles identity, trauma, and Southern culture. He also hosts the podcast UnErased, which dives into the history of conversion therapy, amplifying other survivors’ voices. Currently, Conley is working on a novel about queer lives in the 18th century, promising to blend his signature empathy with historical intrigue.
Conley’s writing stands out for its compassion and refusal to vilify. Even when addressing painful topics, he seeks understanding, making his work a bridge between divided communities. His ability to turn personal trauma into universal stories has earned him a Lambda Literary Award nomination and a global following.
Why Garrard Conley Matters
Garrard Conley’s impact extends far beyond literature. His memoir and advocacy have sparked conversations about the harms of conversion therapy, contributing to bans in 20 U.S. states and numerous localities. By sharing his story at universities, nonprofits, and global events, Conley educates and inspires, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth in conservative regions. His work challenges stereotypes about the South, highlighting its diversity and the quiet heroism of local activists. Conley’s legacy is one of courage, compassion, and the power of storytelling to heal and unite.
- Born: 1984 or 1985, Arkansas, USA
- Key Work: Boy Erased: A Memoir (2016)
- Awards: Nominated for Lambda Literary Award
- Fun Fact: Conley taught English literature in Bulgaria before his memoir’s success.
Ready to be moved by a story of resilience? Snag Boy Erased and dive into Garrard Conley’s heartfelt world!