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The Truth Will Set You Free: Growing Up Gay in Opus Dei
When you are raised to believe that the person you are is unacceptable, you hide. And you stay hidden. If you are X-Men and Dance Academy star Tim Pocock, you become an expert at hiding - until you can't anymore.
Tim Pocock was a born performer. At ten, he took to the stage as a professional opera singer. At twenty-two, he launched his acting career in the blockbuster X-Men Wolverine and went on to star in the beloved series Dance Academy.
But Tim's biggest role was one he never auditioned for - the role he played at home as a devout, straight son. Raised in a conservative Catholic family and attending a school with links to Opus Dei, Tim always knew that being gay was out of the question. He was encouraged to become a priest and experienced gay conversion therapy to have his sexuality hypnotised out of him.
After making a bid for freedom, Tim traversed the glitzy landscape of Los Angeles, navigated the pressures of the acting industry, and made chaotic forays into the gay dating scene - all while carrying immense trauma.
With unflinching honesty, Tim reveals his journey toward healing and shows how we can set ourselves free.
'A brave and important memoir that captures the nuance and struggle of people trapped by the beliefs of their loved ones' IAN THORPE OAM
Tim Pocock was a born performer. At ten, he took to the stage as a professional opera singer. At twenty-two, he launched his acting career in the blockbuster X-Men Wolverine and went on to star in the beloved series Dance Academy.
But Tim's biggest role was one he never auditioned for - the role he played at home as a devout, straight son. Raised in a conservative Catholic family and attending a school with links to Opus Dei, Tim always knew that being gay was out of the question. He was encouraged to become a priest and experienced gay conversion therapy to have his sexuality hypnotised out of him.
After making a bid for freedom, Tim traversed the glitzy landscape of Los Angeles, navigated the pressures of the acting industry, and made chaotic forays into the gay dating scene - all while carrying immense trauma.
With unflinching honesty, Tim reveals his journey toward healing and shows how we can set ourselves free.
'A brave and important memoir that captures the nuance and struggle of people trapped by the beliefs of their loved ones' IAN THORPE OAM
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
7 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 7, 2025
This memoir delivers the author’s truth. Who can doubt the veracity of the content. One suspects it has been needlessly sanitised, at least by being overly generalised at times, and by remaining silent on names (or even pseudonyms) for the people in his early life. Also, many biographical touchstones are not included.
As subject matter, the book works in espousing the terrible attitudes towards a person simply because of that person’s individuality, lived naturally and in good conscience. What’s worse, the indifference and cruelty comes from people who ought to know better (even merely on an intellectual level, let alone on a moral one.) However, as a literary form, for a memoir/biography, it is a lightweight read, which unfortunately seems to trivialise the former.
Lots of generalities and presumed understanding leads me to consider that perhaps the author should’ve left this venture until his dotage, when he may have had more confidence to write his story forthrightly, with the inclusion of more biographical detail.
As it stands, and while the subject matter is poignant, it reads like a cheap quick shot at the establishment, when it could’ve been much much more, with real bite. An intellectual naivety, leaving the reader frustrated.
A “loving” family who didn’t put love of family first, and a talented gay man who behaved naively. Ultimately, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, with both parties behaving selfishly.
Without trying to be flippant, I found it a lightweight read.
Some people never learn. Even so, who am I to judge?
As subject matter, the book works in espousing the terrible attitudes towards a person simply because of that person’s individuality, lived naturally and in good conscience. What’s worse, the indifference and cruelty comes from people who ought to know better (even merely on an intellectual level, let alone on a moral one.) However, as a literary form, for a memoir/biography, it is a lightweight read, which unfortunately seems to trivialise the former.
Lots of generalities and presumed understanding leads me to consider that perhaps the author should’ve left this venture until his dotage, when he may have had more confidence to write his story forthrightly, with the inclusion of more biographical detail.
As it stands, and while the subject matter is poignant, it reads like a cheap quick shot at the establishment, when it could’ve been much much more, with real bite. An intellectual naivety, leaving the reader frustrated.
A “loving” family who didn’t put love of family first, and a talented gay man who behaved naively. Ultimately, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, with both parties behaving selfishly.
Without trying to be flippant, I found it a lightweight read.
Some people never learn. Even so, who am I to judge?
July 16, 2025
My Shayla 🥹
December 27, 2025
Such a good story in audiobook form! Incredibly saddening to hear such an intense upbringing though from one of your favourite Dance Academy stars
July 22, 2025
This book was insightful to me as someone who doesn’t know much about the catholic religion and even less about Opus Dei. I’d watched Tim on dance academy when I was younger and heard him speak about this book on the life academy podcast so I thought I’d give it a try. It’s definitely interesting, but some parts I felt dragged. At some point things kept getting worse and worse for him that it was unbelievable that it was true, though I’m sure it is. It was especially hard to read about all of his relationships post coming out, but I’m happy that he’s through it.
August 3, 2025
beautiful autobiography, confronting yet comforting. Incredible to hear the life of someone i watched growing up.
July 2, 2025
This story is something else, such a powerful read
September 9, 2025
In The Truth Will Set You Free, Tim Pocock lays bare the internal war that brews when deeply held religious convictions collide with undeniable personal truths. With unflinching honesty and emotional vulnerability, Pocock guides readers through his upbringing within the rigid framework of conservative Catholicism specifically, the insular and uncompromising world of Opus Dei as he grapples with his sexuality in a community where even questioning one's identity is seen as a betrayal.
At its core, the memoir is a study in pain: the quiet, aching kind that seeps into a life through years of silence, repression, and fear. Pocock’s narrative is raw and unpolished in the best way, his writing does not seek to mask or dilute the emotional devastation he endured, and it is precisely this honesty that gives the book its power. The reader becomes a silent witness to his psychological and spiritual torment, especially as he attempts to “pray away” his feelings and conform to the rigid expectations imposed on him by his family, school, and Church.
What is most heartbreaking is the deep, unrelenting sadness that permeates his life. It is the sadness of a child yearning to be loved for who he is, of a teenager trying to pray away his identity, and of a young man fighting to survive within a system designed to erase him. Pocock doesn't spare himself in his reflections, his internalised homophobia, his struggles with self-acceptance, and his bouts of depression are presented with courageous clarity. These confessions are difficult to read, not because of their graphic nature, but because of how intimately they echo the quiet suffering experienced by countless LGBTQ+ individuals raised in similar environments.
Yet amid the darkness, there are glimmers of resilience. Pocock’s journey is ultimately one of liberation, even if the scars remain. He questions, he breaks away, and most importantly, he speaks something that countless others are still unable or afraid to do. In telling his story, he gives voice to the pain of many who have walked similar paths but lacked the words or the safety to tell their truth.
At its core, the memoir is a study in pain: the quiet, aching kind that seeps into a life through years of silence, repression, and fear. Pocock’s narrative is raw and unpolished in the best way, his writing does not seek to mask or dilute the emotional devastation he endured, and it is precisely this honesty that gives the book its power. The reader becomes a silent witness to his psychological and spiritual torment, especially as he attempts to “pray away” his feelings and conform to the rigid expectations imposed on him by his family, school, and Church.
What is most heartbreaking is the deep, unrelenting sadness that permeates his life. It is the sadness of a child yearning to be loved for who he is, of a teenager trying to pray away his identity, and of a young man fighting to survive within a system designed to erase him. Pocock doesn't spare himself in his reflections, his internalised homophobia, his struggles with self-acceptance, and his bouts of depression are presented with courageous clarity. These confessions are difficult to read, not because of their graphic nature, but because of how intimately they echo the quiet suffering experienced by countless LGBTQ+ individuals raised in similar environments.
Yet amid the darkness, there are glimmers of resilience. Pocock’s journey is ultimately one of liberation, even if the scars remain. He questions, he breaks away, and most importantly, he speaks something that countless others are still unable or afraid to do. In telling his story, he gives voice to the pain of many who have walked similar paths but lacked the words or the safety to tell their truth.
October 10, 2025
Dance Academy is my comfort show. I've never been a dancer or had any interest in dancing, but it was a show that came out when I was a teenager and I go back to it again and again when I need a safe space. I started listening to Dena and Alicia's podcast and Tim Pocock was a guest, which is where I learned a bit about his upbringing and that he'd written a book. So I immediately had to read this book.
Tim Pocock grew up in the same suburbs I did and went to a school I drive past everyday so l instantly felt a connection to his story. He went through so much from such a young age, lost his teenage years to religious suppression and self hate and made mistakes while trying to discover himself and his sexuality; all while going through the journey of being an actor and navigating the LA life.
It was a really moving memoir of self discovery, being queer in an insanely intolerant home, school and community, struggling for literal decades to find his place and happiness in the world and how he's turned all that into helping others find theirs.
It's very worth the read, Tim has a way with words.
Tim Pocock grew up in the same suburbs I did and went to a school I drive past everyday so l instantly felt a connection to his story. He went through so much from such a young age, lost his teenage years to religious suppression and self hate and made mistakes while trying to discover himself and his sexuality; all while going through the journey of being an actor and navigating the LA life.
It was a really moving memoir of self discovery, being queer in an insanely intolerant home, school and community, struggling for literal decades to find his place and happiness in the world and how he's turned all that into helping others find theirs.
It's very worth the read, Tim has a way with words.
July 1, 2025
I first discovered him through Dance Academy, but after reading his book, I see him in an entirely new light. Whether you know him from TV or not, read this book. His story is raw, honest, and deeply moving.
If you’ve ever struggled with your sexuality, faith, or finding your path in life, you’ll find something to connect with here. He opens up about incredibly difficult experiences—including rape, religious pressure, and family struggles—with courage and vulnerability. I found myself in tears multiple times, especially as someone who is gay and grew up in a religious household. His journey spoke straight to my heart.
This isn’t just a celebrity memoir—it’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our pain or our questions. If you do anything, read this book. His story is unforgettable.
If you’ve ever struggled with your sexuality, faith, or finding your path in life, you’ll find something to connect with here. He opens up about incredibly difficult experiences—including rape, religious pressure, and family struggles—with courage and vulnerability. I found myself in tears multiple times, especially as someone who is gay and grew up in a religious household. His journey spoke straight to my heart.
This isn’t just a celebrity memoir—it’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our pain or our questions. If you do anything, read this book. His story is unforgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
I rate this book 3 stars.
First of all Tim, thank you for sharing your story.
And wow, what a story it was.
There is no doubt about the effect Tim's schooling and the extreme religious influence his Mother had on him. I enjoyed the insights into Opus Dei and Redfield College.
The book was let down by the intricate details written about all of Tim's relationships. While I certainly understand how he was raised and how his schooling would definitely impact his relationships, I felt it was quite self-indulgent to continue to write about these encounters.
I feel the title 'Growing up Gay in Opus Dei' only represents half of the book, the rest is a personal recount of his life.
First of all Tim, thank you for sharing your story.
And wow, what a story it was.
There is no doubt about the effect Tim's schooling and the extreme religious influence his Mother had on him. I enjoyed the insights into Opus Dei and Redfield College.
The book was let down by the intricate details written about all of Tim's relationships. While I certainly understand how he was raised and how his schooling would definitely impact his relationships, I felt it was quite self-indulgent to continue to write about these encounters.
I feel the title 'Growing up Gay in Opus Dei' only represents half of the book, the rest is a personal recount of his life.
August 10, 2025
Como antiguo alumno homosexual de un colegio del Opus Dei, impacta enormemente ver que alguien pocos años de diferencia y en las antípodas del globo pasa por vivencias tan similares... gracias Tim por compartir tu experiencia y tu recorrido!
October 20, 2025
An excellent and thought provoking autobiography. I found this book hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews