Book excerpt: Beyond the stereotypical expectation of glitter and sequins, comes a personal and inspirational journey of overcoming fear, rejection and insecurity. This story isn't solely about a drag-queen, but rather, it's a journey of real life experiences which many of us have faced throughout life, written by a gay man who happens to be a drag-queen. It's a story which is relevant in today's society, regardless of one's own sexuality. This book was written to bring inspiration and hope to anyone who may need positive affirmation to love the life they live, or for anyone who needs to understand first-hand what it can be like to fight, a sometimes losing battle, for self acceptance. Whoever the reader, it shows that it is possible to overcome extreme adversity and survive those horrendous experiences which seem determined to destroy us. "In a world where society dictates 'right' from 'wrong', a young boy struggles with the pressure of living up to the expectations of others. Desperately seeking acceptance and finding only rejection, he is isolated and on the brink of despair. There seems to be no escape from the years of relentless school-ground bullying and victimization he suffers, which at times, is almost too much to bear. He feels as though his spirit has been crushed, but this young scared boy still harbours a burning desire to break free and be true to himself. Later in life, a tremendous gut-wrenching loss would set him on another course, and a journey of true self-discovery. Armed with the knowledge of his past experiences, his eyes are opened to a wonderland of pleasures, and through determination and sacrifice, he leaves a life of secrecy and sexual defiance behind him. Discovering the world of drag, he becomes more of a man than he thought he would be, and more of a woman than he thought he ever could be. From Darkness to Diva is an empowering tale of overcoming fear and insecurity, with an uplifting message of triumph."