Lukas Gage Confronts His Own Story With Unflinching Honesty

Lukas Gage, known for his roles in "The White Lotus" and "Euphoria," is no stranger to playing complex characters—but in his new memoir "I Wrote This For Attention," he turns the lens inward, recounting a life defined by both chaos and resilience. Speaking with Queerty ahead of the memoir’s release, Gage describes the process of confronting his own story with unflinching honesty: “It was both really cathartic and really freeing to be open and articulate these thoughts that I had and get them down... But also, the other part of it is it’s really scary to be that vulnerable and not real and that honest with the world” .

The memoir, pitched during the 2023 dual actors’ and writers’ strikes, is an unfiltered chronicle of Gage’s upbringing in Encinitas, California, a home marked by instability, substance abuse, and fraught family dynamics. He writes about his mother’s gambling, his father’s discomfort with his early expressions of gender nonconformity, and his brother’s struggle with addiction. The narrative is at once dark and humorous, using pop culture touchstones and Gage’s signature wit to anchor painful memories in a broader cultural context .

The path to self-acceptance was not linear for Gage. In interviews, he acknowledges feeling pressured by public scrutiny and accusations of “queerbaiting” after playing queer characters before publicly coming out. “I was privately still figuring out my sexuality,” Gage recalls, highlighting the tension between authentic self-discovery and the expectations placed on LGBTQ+ actors in the spotlight .

His decision to enter a high-profile marriage with a well-known male figure was, by his own admission, an impulsive act of rebellion against the backlash and speculation. The intense visibility brought its own challenges, leading some in Hollywood to question his commitment to his craft. “At the time, the feedback I was getting from casting agents was that I had too much of a public persona. People wouldn’t let me audition for things,” Gage shared .

Despite these setbacks, Gage’s memoir and interviews are a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ representation. He reflects on the burden and privilege of visibility, acknowledging that sharing his story may help others struggling with similar issues. “I think he would be really proud... how open and comfortable I am with myself, because I wasn’t always that way, and I was in denial and afraid to be authentic to myself,” Gage told The Knockturnal .

Gage’s memoir does not shy away from difficult truths, addressing childhood sexual abuse, substance use, and his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). He recounts periods spent in mental health treatment centers and the ongoing work of managing his condition. In conversation with The Guardian, Gage emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health struggles: “I’m not broken. I’m not a liability. I’m just wired differently” .

His willingness to discuss these topics openly resonates within the LGBTQ+ community, which faces elevated rates of mental health challenges due to stigma, discrimination, and trauma. Gage’s account of navigating therapy, medication, and self-acceptance provides a model for others seeking support. He underscores the value of vulnerability: “Oftentimes the things that we’re most scared to talk about... are the things that we probably should talk about, and there’s a reason that we’re feeling that way” .

Alongside his personal history, Gage’s memoir and interviews highlight the importance of sexual health and education, both for himself and for the LGBTQ+ community. He has participated in public health campaigns and speaks candidly about his own experiences with STDs and the necessity of regular testing, honesty with partners, and removing shame from the conversation. “I feel very proud and happy that I’m sharing that information, because I don’t want to be shameful... I think it should be an open conversation,” Gage said .

In discussing his romantic life, Gage maintains a sense of humor and hope: “I can’t wait to get my heart broken again,” he said to Queerty, reflecting the resilience and optimism that underpin his story . He acknowledges that heartbreak and joy are both part of living authentically, and he encourages others to embrace vulnerability, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.

"I Wrote This For Attention" has garnered attention not only for its candid content but for its broader cultural impact. Gage’s willingness to address the intersections of sexuality, mental health, and trauma challenges stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people in the media. His story is one of survival, growth, and the ongoing journey toward self-love—a narrative that resonates as more LGBTQ+ voices demand space in mainstream literature and entertainment .

Gage’s journey, as chronicled in his memoir and discussed in recent interviews, stands as an invitation to others—LGBTQ+ or not—to tell their truths, seek help when needed, and find pride in their unique paths.