Spotlight

by Zachary Ryan

Emerald’s Fiercest Entertainer is a weekly drag competition set in Chicago, designed to showcase the best drag talent.
The drag queens comprised of this competitive show come from different walks of life, each with their struggles and dreams making the eight-week-long contest a challenging and emotionally charged experience not only for the participants but for those who run it as well.
Throughout the eight-week competition, these queens are not only competing for the title but also pushing themselves to become the best version of themselves. Each week is a test of their talent, resilience, and ability to grow both personally and professionally.
The stakes are high, with fame, glory, and the coveted crown on the line, but more importantly, each contestant is on a journey of self-expression and self-acceptance, aiming to leave their mark on the Chicago drag scene.

516 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

Zachary Ryan grew up in a black-and-white box in Maryland, before moving to Chicago to start a new life. There, he found that he was accepted for his misfit status—and learned that it’s perfectly normal to spend your twenties feeling lost and confused.

After a disastrous sexual encounter, Ryan stumbled on a group of true friends, or “soul cluster,” that he connected with. Through his writing, he hopes to help other broken souls out there find comfort amid the chaos.