David Vass is not your typical author. He is a man whose life journey has been a remarkable tapestry of self-discovery, resilience, addictions, wrong turns and advocacy. An accomplished monologist, performer, diarist, writer, and activist, David’s life story serves as an inspiration and a cautionary tale for anyone striving to live authentically and embrace their true identity.

Early Struggles and Triumphs

David’s story begins in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was born on September 26, 1950. From an early age, he accepted his identity as an openly gay boy. At seven years old, in 1957, it was a time when society often refused to acknowledge or accept his truth, and the consequences of being open about his sexual orientation were harsh, abusive, and an attack on his sense of self-worth.

The verbal and physical abuse and bullying he endured as a result of openly acknowledging his identity strengthened his determination to live life on his terms. David’s journey was further complicated when, during his first day of school, he was laughed at by other kids who pointed out he had a serious stutter and speech impediment and sounded ‘broken.’  No one in his immediate family ever addressed this with David, so it came as a life-altering shock.  He decided not to talk for two years while working with a public school speech therapist.   David turned to pilfering diaries from five-and-dime stores and writing his experiences during that time.  Diary writing became one of the first of many addictions.

Throughout his school years, David remained a target of bullying, a fact that impacted his self-esteem, social relationships, and overall confidence. However, these early hardships did not define him; they served as stepping stones on his path to becoming the person he was meant to be.

A Life in Show Business

David Vass’s career in show business is a testament to his tenacity and commitment to personal growth. He worked behind the scenes in various capacities, including as a road manager, technical director, and lighting and sound designer. His client list includes over 200 performers, more than fifty of whom are legendary figures with accolades such as Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and Tony Awards.

But his journey in show business goes beyond mere entertainment. David played a significant role in planting the seeds of the gay liberation movement and other political actions during his years behind the scenes. These experiences, along with the other struggles that had plagued him since childhood, shaped his path and his decision to document his life through diaries and planted the seeds for a variety of addictions to neutralize his pain and lack of self-worth:  thrills with pills, alcohol, drugs, lying and sexual debaucheries.

“Liar, Alleged”: An Unfiltered Memoir

In September 2023, David Vass released his memoir, “Liar, Alleged: A Tell-All: Celebrities, Sex, and All the Rest.” The book chronicles his life’s journey as a gay man and activist, as well as his career in the world of show business, time in prison for refusing to cooperate with the draft, and a sideline job as a money-mule for the mafia.

His mash-up memoir/tell-all dives deep into David’s early life, recounting his experiences growing up as a gay child in the 1950s. It was a time when being openly gay was met with significant challenges, societal resistance, and, with regularity, physical violence. The book covers his involvement in the 1960s hippie and gay activist movements, founding the Baltimore Gay Liberation Front while still in high school.  David spent days in school and nights working with ‘bare it all’ strippers on the notorious ‘The Block,’ a seedy, Baltimore underground destination for straight men, the mob, and their money-laundering strip joints, which morphed when he moved to Manhattan into his career in the 1970s show business industry, where he served as a Technical Director and what he humorously refers to as a “celebrity whisperer” in the most iconic theatres and trendiest nightclubs in the USA.

But “Liar, Alleged” is more than a personal account of David’s life. It offers a historical perspective, shedding light on the challenges currently faced by the LGBTQ+ community –  hateful extremist groups that have resurfaced and fan the flames of the attacks on First Amendment rights, book banning, and the ‘old’ social dilemmas that have once again become relevant. It’s a shocking narrative that resonates with adult readers, offering insights into real characters and current social issues and how it all came to be.  

Within two weeks of its release, “Liar, Alleged” became a #1 Amazon Bestseller, a testament to the power of his storytelling and the universal relevance of his controversial narrative.

“What Could Go Wrong?”: A Candid Monologue

David’s talent extends beyond the pages of his book. In 2019, he took his life experiences and transformed them into a captivating one-man monologue titled “What Could Go Wrong?”

The monologue doesn’t shy away from tackling controversial and often taboo subjects. It delves into his personal experiences, including embarrassing addictions and sexual proclivities in the pre-AIDS decades. He opens up about his encounters with legendary figures in show business, his involvement in the Gay Liberation Movement, and even his time in prison for refusing to cooperate with the draft.

From Stage to Screen: “What Could Go Wrong—The Movie”

In 2020, and with the onslaught of COVID closing theatres and nightclubs,  David decided to take his powerful monologue to a wider audience by capturing it in the form of a 90-minute film. “What Could Go Wrong—The Movie” makes his shockingly candid storytelling available to a broader audience through a pay-per-view platform.

An Advocate for Change

David Vass’s work isn’t confined to the stage or the pages of his memoir. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, First Amendment rights, and AIDS awareness. His affiliation with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact.  He is also a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – and is a popular speaker at their fund-raising events.  

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a prominent U.S. LGBTQ+ advocacy group that focuses on issues such as same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws, and HIV/AIDS advocacy. ACT UP is an international political group dedicated to ending the AIDS pandemic through various means, including direct action, medical research, treatment advocacy, and policy change efforts.  The ACLU Works to expand civil rights and liberties.

David also volunteers with The First Amendment Coalition, an organization dedicated to safeguarding freedom of speech.

Recognitions and Achievements

He was also awarded the Best Solo Performance Award at the Fringe Festival Australia for his show “What Could Go Wrong?”  

A Life Full of Love

David’s personal life is a testament to enduring love and commitment. He shares his life with his spouse, Paul, with whom he has spent nearly five decades. Their enduring relationship serves as a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity and what can happen when a lack of self-worth deficit can be righted and an addictive personality disorder is kept in check.

David Vass’s journey is a reminder that embracing one’s true identity and sharing one’s story can be a powerful force for change. His candid storytelling, often funny, sometimes shocking, and occasionally inappropriate, combined with David’s six-decade advocacy for LGBTQ+ and First Amendment rights and his unapologetic authenticity, inspire others to live life to the fullest and to be unafraid to share their own stories, unfiltered, warts and all.

In a world where authenticity is often the most powerful form of advocacy, David Vass’s life story stands as a beacon of hope and an urgent call to action for change.