Growing up for Adam wasn’t easy. At the age of two, his parents went through a difficult divorce. It was only the beginning of what would be a hard road for his family. His stepfather’s cocaine addiction took a hold of the family and his mother struggled to find him help without any success and once again Adam experienced another divorce.

Adam has always been a performer. From an early age, he had a love of performing and singing. In fifth grade he wowed the audience with his over-the-top performance. A few years later the relentless taunting started from her peers. Adam struggled with his sexuality and his peers took advantage by bullying him. Adam, fearing for his safety, joined a gang for protection.

The involvement with the gang escalated and in fear, his mother moved the family. He was desperate to find acceptance and in doing so he went to his first LGBT dance club. To his surprise there were people like him-his life changed forever. He was finally starting to become comfortable with his sexuality. That didn’t last long and upon disclosure of his sexuality to his mother, he was kicked out of the house and forced to live with his stepfather. The endless abuse from his stepfather led Adam to be homeless including sleeping in laundry rooms to keep warm.

At the end of his rope Adam attempted to take his own life. After disclosing the attempts to a teacher he was immediately admitted into a mental hospital. Upon the release he pleaded to live with his grandmother who agreed. Her love and acceptance gave him the strength and peace he needed in his life.

Adam always idolized Madonna and after reading an advertisement for a look-a-like contest he was convinced to become a contestant and to his surprise won! Today, Adam, known as Venus D Lite is a renown Madonna impersonator. Venus has been entertaining audiences with her inspired performances. She was cast on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Her story shows that you can survive any situation and still make your dreams come true.

2011/12