Going Down: A Personal Memoir

Going Down: A Personal Memoir

By David-Graham Parker

A desperate escape. A hidden world. The underwater breath that changed everything.

In 1980s Australia, living authentically wasn't just socially perilous—it was criminal. For David, trapped under the crushing weight of his father’s expectations and a brief, agonizing stint in the Royal Australian Air Force, the isolation felt total. Society told him his identity was wrong, the military banned his existence, and he felt like the ultimate disappointment.

Stepping onto the deck of a cruise ship, David had a dark, absolute certainty in his heart: he was going to end his life. He was looking for an exit strategy, a way to disappear into the ocean forever.

But the deep sea had other plans.

What began as a tragic countdown transformed eighteen metres beneath the surface. Enrolling in a SCUBA diving course introduced David to a tight-knit crew, the silent majesty of the Pacific, and the profound vulnerability of placing his life literally into another man's hands. Through the terrifying beauty of an underwater emergency ascent, sharing a single regulator, a spark ignited—not just of desire, but of an intense, undeniable joy for living.

What You’ll Discover Inside This Memoir:

• A Raw Look at History: Experience the emotional landscape of growing up gay when homosexuality was still illegal in Queensland, Australia.
• The Power of Resilience: Follow a deeply vulnerable journey through severe depression, military discharge, and ultimate psychological survival.
• An Underwater Awakening: Vivid, sensory accounts of SCUBA diving in Fiji, where the freedom of the ocean mimics the emotional freedom of self-acceptance.
• A Heart-Wrenching Family Truth: Witness the terrifying, beautiful moment of a son coming out to his parents, challenging generational expectations with unconditional love.

Spanning thirty-three years of careful reflection, Going Down is a beautifully honest, vulnerable, and inspiring account of mental health survival, LGBTQ+ resilience, and the liberating power of claiming your truth.

Praise for David-Graham Parker’s Story:

"I would prefer a live homosexual son, than a dead one... Thank God you came back to us." — Bob Parker



About the Author

David-Graham Parker is a dedicated professional actor and mental health advocate with extensive qualifications in Community Services and Peer Support. Born in Bundaberg, Queensland, he has spent years working within the Disability Support Sector and uses his personal lived experiences to inspire resilience and self-love in others.

The information shared here is for general support and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling or in distress, help is available. Please reach out to a trusted professional, contact a local crisis support line like Lifeline on 13 11 14, or go to an emergency room.

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