February 17, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ingenium Books’ author C.A. Gibbs. We have had the joy and privilege of working intensively with Charlotte since early 2018 when her book, The Picture Wall, was a burning idea and little more.

Struggling with her identity and Christian faith, a woman’s emotional rollercoaster with her only son spins out of control when he comes out as transgender, then non-binary––forcing the family to shed their secrets and shame to uncover unconditional love.

The Picture Wall: One Woman’s Story of Being His Her Their Mother was published in October of 2020. It won honorable mention in the General Nonfiction category of the Hollywood Book Festival 2021, is a First Place Winner in the BookFest Book Awards (Spring 2022) in the nonfiction, relationships, and LGBTQ+ category and a Second-Place winner in the family category.

Through author coaching, outlining, building a project plan and a writing schedule, discovering what worked and what didn’t, Charlotte displayed a tenacious determination to see her idea through to the end, to tell her story, to accept feedback and advice — all while managing health issues and setbacks that would bring a lesser human to their knees.

We have watched Charlotte change and grow as a writer, and through it all she has brought a compassion and grace to all facets of work on her book that made our relationship with her truly extraordinary. Due to the nature of Charlotte’s health issues, we have developed a special relationship with her husband, and by extension have come to know her whole family.

We have also been working on pursuit of a licensing and rights agreement for the screen adaptation of The Picture Wall because we believe the time is right for a broader discussion of the issues raised in The Picture Wall. Families in the United States are facing a new reality: more and more of our teens and young adults are coming out to live freely as transgender or non-binary members of our society. Yet, we are seeing a visceral reaction to this shift around the country, from the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida to the bill in Texas identifying parents who support their minor children with their transition guilty of child abuse. The consequences of such legislation can be tragic and devastating to families.

The Trevor Project’s 2023 Youth and Body Dissatisfaction Survey found that “LGBTQ youth with body dissatisfaction reported twice the odds of attempting suicide.” And a 2021 survey found that “suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, with LGBTQ youth being four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide, and to attempt suicide versus their peers.”

Too many young people face rejection from lawmakers, classmates, employers, friends, and even family. The isolation can result in tragic consequences. Fortunately, “trans youth who feel accepted by the adults in their lives — including family members, teachers, and doctors — are less likely to attempt suicide.” (Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project)

We are living in a time where it’s critical for all of us to embrace our LGBTQ young people with unconditional love and support. Lives are at stake.

While Charlotte may no longer be with us, her contribution to this conversation lives on as we continue to work to bring The Picture Wall to more audiences.

If you’d like to help contribute to Charlotte’s conversation, please consider purchasing a special “In Memory of Author CA Gibbs” paperback copy of The Picture Wall here. From the proceeds of this special order, a donation will be made to The Trevor Project in Charlotte’s name.

Alternatively, you’re also welcome to buy a retail copy of The Picture Wall — it’s available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook. We encourage you to share the link with your friends, family, and social networks, and of course to leave a review.

Farewell and rest easy, Charlotte.