Review: Queer Up – An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health by Alexis Caught

Queer Up by Alexis Caught is a heart-warming guide for young LGBTQ+, questioning kids and allies. This book gives a detailed look into many different aspects of queer teenage-hood in an uplifting and insightful manner, with guides on labelling yourself, basic information on different terms, coming out, relationships and more.

I really enjoyed this book and I wish that I could’ve given it to the younger me who was so confused about the wonderful world of queerness. It is the perfect book to get resources and basic information for figuring yourself out, as well as for allies who want to understand LGBTQ+ people more. I also loved how the book had small sections on LGBTQ+ history woven into them as well as the importance of safety and boundaries in every chapter. 

The sections on taking care of your mental health and coping with all the stressful experiences were lovely to see and there are further resources at the back of the book. I do wish that the chapter on trans people was a little longer and included more trans voices and perspectives, but I understand the limitations that come with writing a book as broad as this.

I think that this book is amazing for any LGBTQ+ teen or ally, whether new or old to the community. It is empowering, comforting and educational. However, I would advise against younger teens reading it because it does include sexual topics and swearing.

Freddie Higgins, 15