Eleven years ago, performer Frankie Grande found himself backstage at the Broadway Bares fundraiser, unable to go onstage due to his substance addiction. This year, Grande took the stage sober for the first time, donning a leather ribboned skirt and high-heeled boots, marking a significant milestone in his journey of recovery. His experiences, including his struggles with addiction and his evolution embracing his identity, are chronicled in his new memoir, *Supergay!*, released by Sourcebooks.

Grande, who began his Broadway career with roles in productions such as *Mamma Mia* and *Rock of Ages*, is also known as the older brother of pop star Ariana Grande. Despite their shared success in the entertainment industry, Frankie Grande emphasizes that his public persona has often masked deeper personal challenges, particularly related to addiction and his sense of self.

Rejecting the format of a traditional memoir, Grande infused his book with elements inspired by his favorite fantasy and science fiction franchises—from *Harry Potter* to *Star Wars*—reflecting how these genres shaped his identity as a queer person and helped him cope during difficult times. He describes himself as “homosexual, alcoholic, addict, nerd,” and sought to create a narrative that encompasses all these facets.

Grande characterizes his "Supergay" persona as a declaration against the stigma that still surrounds LGBTQ+ identities in certain parts of the United States. He hopes the memoir will serve as inspiration, particularly for young LGBTQ+ individuals facing hostility and marginalization. “Maybe I can be sparkly, out loud, proud, and queer, maybe I can too,” Grande said, acknowledging that living openly can be fraught with challenges depending on one's environment.

His journey to sobriety began six years ago, after a period of denial and struggle following highly publicized events, including the bombing at Ariana Grande’s Manchester arena concert in 2017. Grande recounts how the trauma of that night, coupled with ongoing substance use, led him to realize he needed professional help, with his sister playing a crucial role in encouraging him to enter rehab.

Grande notes that addiction is a chronic mental health condition and speaks openly about the guilt and shame he felt for the ways his behavior affected his family—particularly his sister during her formative years. He emphasizes the importance of grace and understanding in recovery, noting that his relationships, including with Ariana and their mother, have been repaired and strengthened through honest conversations and shared commitment to healing.

Now sober and embracing his multifaceted identity, Grande views his memoir as both a personal catharsis and a public statement on the power of authenticity and resilience. Through *Supergay!*, he aims to normalize queer identity and advocate for acceptance in a politically divided society where LGBTQ+ people—especially transgender individuals—face increasing discrimination.