Lukas Gage Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Healing Journey

Warning: This article touches on sensitive topics, including childhood sexual abuse. Please proceed with caution.

Lukas Gage: Bravery and resilience in overcoming childhood trauma

Actor Lukas Gage, recognized widely from hit TV shows like *The White Lotus*, *Euphoria*, and *Overcompensating*, has opened up about a painful part from his history. In his memoir, *I Wrote This For Attention*, Gage shares his heartbreaking experience with abuse by a counselor at an acting camp when he was only 11 years old.

Now 30, Gage, who identifies as queer, candidly discussed this personal revelation on Amanda Hirsch's *Not Skinny But Not Fat* podcast. It took him until just three years ago, he revealed, before he could talk about it, as initially, he couldn't even see it as molestation.

"I didn't even realize it was a thing," Gage shared. "There's this huge stigma because I felt like I didn't do anything." With help from a therapist, he began understanding his past, especially when asked, "Would you ever do anything with an 11-year-old now that you're in your twenties?" That question shattered his confusion and self-doubt.

Reflecting on how he felt back then, Gage described an out-of-body experience, where he felt complicit. "I left my body," he said, adding, "There was this feeling I was somehow a willing participant."

Finding strength by being vulnerable

Gage didn't tell his mom until he handed her his memoir. "I sat her down and said, 'Look, I hate talking about this. I hate having this talk with you. I hate feeling shame because we shouldn't feel ashamed. But just so you know, there's a part that might be hard as a mom, but you did nothing wrong,'" he mentioned.

In an interview with US Weekly, Gage talked about his mother's reaction. "There was nothing she could've done. The world's a wild, scary place, and you can only protect your kids so much," he said thoughtfully.

Despite everything, Gage has found ways forward. Humor, he believes, has been his "favorite defense mechanism," allowing him a bit more control over a dark chapter. "Talking about it feels like we're [supposed] just be small. But humor helps me regain power, not letting it make me feel weak or ashamed," he said.

Therapy and his support network have helped Gage process his trauma and come out stronger. He aims at breaking down stigmas and urges others that have faced similar experiences not feel "like a weird freak that it happened." Now, he feels like his trauma "doesn't have this weight" over him anymore.

Delving deep: Lukas Gage's personal battles in *I Wrote This For Attention*

Gage's memoir, *I Wrote This For Attention*, doesn't just talk about his childhood trauma. It dives deep, exploring his rocky upbringing, his diagnosis with Border Personality Disorder, and a "manic episode" during his short-lived marriage with hairstylist Chris Appleton, which ended in divorce in 2023.

His willingness and openness in sharing these private struggles show his dedication not only in connecting with those facing similar battles but also in creating a community built on understanding and support.

*I Wrote This For Attention* hits shelves on October 14, offering readers a candid peek at an actor who has faced tough battles and came out stronger.