My Fucked Up Fairytale

Book excerpt: Dale Perrault, born Dale Edward Sullivan, was raised in the Heartland of Florida. Dale’s mother was born developmentally and physically disabled, taken advantage of by his “sperm donor”, leaving him in the care of less than desirable members of his birth family. He was given the last name Driver at the age of nine, and ultimately aged out of the foster care system after living in twenty-three homes, by the age of eighteen. During his adolescence, Dale was abused physically and sexually, in exchange for drugs. He lived in abusive foster placements, one including a home where the family kept locks on the refrigerator and food pantry. Dale grew up enjoying “all things” theatrical, including writing, and showcasing the pageantry of the arts. He ended up marrying his high school sweetheart shortly after graduation, having two children, and working in ministry. Dale knew he couldn’t hide his sexuality long enough to raise a family, and came out as gay, at the age of twenty-eight. He met his, now, ex-husband soon after divorcing his ex-wife, and took the last name Perrault at the time of their marriage. His final foster placement, the family he considered his “forever home”, officially adopted him at the age of thirty-three, a long awaited “gift” presented to him at his senior graduation. During the global pandemic in 2020, Dale was struck by lightning, fired from three real estate companies, and spent twenty-two hours in jail, after trying to leave his ex-husband for the final time. He cut ties with his adopted family and was no longer allowed to see, nor speak to his children. Dale was pretty sure he had hit his rock bottom, until he faced his struggles with addiction, a journey he began at the age of six. After being date raped, Dale finally decided to get sober, and has maintained his sobriety with the help of AA and his sponsor for almost two years. Dale credits a therapist, he chose willingly in 2016, for helping him get on the right path. He went through conversion therapy as a kid, and as an adult, among other religious therapies against his will. Dale’s career has been quite “colorful”, as he has worked in many arenas professionally. After working in ministry, Dale held leadership and marketing positions in the franchise world. He worked as a professional ballroom dancer, and owner/choreographer of a competitive dance studio. He has worked as a music manager for several artists. He has assisted with philanthropic endeavors for major companies throughout the US, always having a giving heart, regardless of his upbringing and circumstances. Prior to publishing his first book, “My Fucked Up Fairytale”, Dale successfully led several real estate companies, increasing recruitment, retention, and profit beyond company goals. He has received many awards for his accomplishments and non-profit involvement. During his career, Dale has resided in Nashville, San Francisco bay area, Chicago, and Palm Beach. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he is working on four other publications, expected to hit the market in 2024. Publications include a self-help book and children’s trilogy. To follow Dale’s journey, feel free to connect with him on Instagram @my.fucked.up.fairytale.