Shannon Molloy Receives Child Protection Week Award For His Book ‘You Made Me This Way’

Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Shannon Molloy has been awarded one of the top honours at the Queensland Child Protection Week awards.

The author of Fourteen was bestowed with the media award at the ceremony this week for his second book, You Made Me This Way.

Molloy was officially awarded The Media and Communications Award for the development of an innovative approach, resource or research to promote child protection.

Shannon Molloy recognised for his outstanding work

Originating from Queensland, journalist Shannon Molloy rose to prominence following the publication of his first book, Fourteen.

The heartwarming and at times harrowing book detailed his life as a fourteen-year-old growing up in regional Queensland, navigating his sexuality and identity.

Fourteen went on to receive critical acclaim, with the book later being developed into the hugely popular stage show of the same name.

Molloy later released his much darker and vitally important book, You Made Me This Way.

Part memoir and part investigation, Molloy explored the trauma of child sexual abuse and its long term effects on the victims well into their adulthood.

The book explores Molloy’s own experiences whilst also detailing stories of several other men, amidst interviews from experts in the field.

You Made Me This Way resulted in a powerful story that highlighted the deep impact of child sexual abuse and what is needed to better protect children in the future.

Speaking to The Star Observer, Shannon Molloy reveals the toll it took working on this deeply personal project.

“Writing this book was a bit of a slog at times and definitely the most emotionally taxing project I’ve ever taken on,” he said.”Winning an award like this makes that struggle feels like a distant memory. It’s such a wonderful recognition and I was so thrilled.”

He reiterated just how important it was for people to understand the long-reaching effects of the pain and trauma these men have suffered.

“I know first-hand how tough it can be for men who were sexually abused as boys to talk about their pain and trauma. On average, it takes 30 years for a survivor to disclose to someone. That’s three decades of carrying an enormous burden on their own.”

“In that time, they often develop unhelpful or unhealthy coping mechanisms just to survive, but which usually cause more harm. I wrote this book so those men don’t feel so alone. I wrote it so the community can understand the unique impact on men and what it’s like to live with lifelong trauma, usually in silence.”

Whilst exciting, the award was humbling for the celebrated author, who returned to Queensland from his home in Sydney with his husband and daughter to attend the ceremony.

“I’m so proud of this book. I’m so humbled by this award win. And I got to meet Kay McGrath, who co-founded Queensland Child Protection Week 40 years ago. Talk about a win-win!”

With two important and popular books under his belt, we asked Shannon what we can expect from him next. Whilst he was tight-lipped, he revealed he’s been quite busy helping others tell their stories.

“I’ve been busy ghostwriting books for some notable Australians over the past few years” he revealed. “I can’t say who, I’m sorry! But I’m really keen to get cracking on my next project.”

“I’m in the early stages of work on my third book. I can’t say much, but it’s non-fiction, hard-hitting and deeply hopeful and inspiring. Stay tuned!”

You can watch Shannon receive his award online via the video below; watch for the one hour, twenty five mark!