HERE AND QUEER

A queer creator writes the book she wishes she’d had as a teen.

Combining humor, compassion, and common sense, this book will be an anchor of safety and support for queer girls. Divided into three parts—“Coming Out,” “Doing It,” and “Finding Your Community”—the book provides guidance and advice while acknowledging that life experiences vary. Part 1 addresses this head-on as it discusses how the fluidity of gender and the nuances of the coming-out process mean that labels, pronouns, and self-identification may change—and this is totally valid. Part 2 offers a straightforward, informative discussion of intimacy, safe sexual practices, consent, and what “counts” as sex; laudably, the book reminds readers that no can be said and intimated in many ways and that safe sex encompasses emotional health, not just physical. The last section provides advice for meeting other LGBTQ+ individuals and groups while acknowledging that popular representations of queer spaces—TV, movies, etc.—aren't always made by queer people. The text is the real star of the show, but the digital illustrations should be commended for adding the right pop of color and visual energy to the book. Illustrated characters have a mix of body types, abilities, skin tones, and hair textures, and the colorful designs will remind older queer and allied readers of Peter Max's psychedelic warmth.

A book that should be read, shared, and treasured. Pure queer joy!