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Caught in the Act
Boy, girl, artist, advocate. Courtney is more than the sum of her parts.
Meet Shane Jenek. Raised in the suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, by loving parents, Shane realises from a young age that he’s not like all the other boys. At a performing arts agency he discovers his passion for song, dance and performance, and makes a promise to himself: to find a bigger stage. Meet Courtney Act. Born around the turn of the millennium, Courtney makes her name in the gay bars of Sydney. Years later, she makes star turns on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Big Brother UK, bringing her unique take on drag and gender to the world. Behind this rise to global fame is a story of searching for and finding oneself. Told with Courtney’s trademark candour and wit, Caught in the Act is about our journey towards understanding gender, sexuality and identity. It’s an often hilarious and at times heartbreaking memoir from a beloved drag and entertainment icon. Most of all, it’s a bloody good time.
Meet Shane Jenek. Raised in the suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, by loving parents, Shane realises from a young age that he’s not like all the other boys. At a performing arts agency he discovers his passion for song, dance and performance, and makes a promise to himself: to find a bigger stage. Meet Courtney Act. Born around the turn of the millennium, Courtney makes her name in the gay bars of Sydney. Years later, she makes star turns on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Big Brother UK, bringing her unique take on drag and gender to the world. Behind this rise to global fame is a story of searching for and finding oneself. Told with Courtney’s trademark candour and wit, Caught in the Act is about our journey towards understanding gender, sexuality and identity. It’s an often hilarious and at times heartbreaking memoir from a beloved drag and entertainment icon. Most of all, it’s a bloody good time.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 2, 2021
80 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 2, 2021
I mean…I wrote it so I figured I should give it five stars ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope you enjoy reading it
Hope you enjoy reading it
March 29, 2022
This read like a theatrical show, Shane’s voice on the narration was great. I think he should do more in this area. It was not just an audio read; it was a performance.
I don’t watch reality television, so I really didn’t come into this with knowledge about Shane and Courtenay Act. I was very interested as I have an affinity with anything related to identity, sexuality and a journey such as this as I lost a family member to HIV AIDS in the early to mid-1980’s. I was told my uncle died of cancer because the truth was not to be revealed.
Oh, my how things have changed.
This story will not be for everyone, it’s full of in-depth info about a rampant sex life and awakening, and a very turbulent self-discovery of sexual identity, addiction, longing, and a very complex search for how Shane identifies. I am grateful he didn’t appear to succumb to addiction during this journey, and he was aware of this too.
He is so full of life and tells his story with such flair and flamboyance that absolutely suits him. Full of self-doubt, seeking validation in often precarious ways, this is a no holds barred story. He has done so much in a nonstop career - cabaret, a bit of 9-5 (SO not for him), tours with drag queens, lots of solo touring, Ru Pauls show RuPaul's Drag Race, and Australian Idol as well, and so much more.
I wasn’t surprised to see how horribly edited these reality shows are, all for ratings of course, and how shallow many of the players are (sorry for my judgemental anti reality television stance, just being honest). But in his ever-accepting way, seems to hold no real resentment about this.
A natural performer Shane started performing in his hometown of Brisbane as a young boy (with The Veronicas no less) which was fun to read about, he was a winner from the start and found his niche.
It was a long road to find where he truly fit, though. Traveling the world and meeting so many people, finding mentors such as Chaz Bono who gave him advice about things he hadn't even thought of before.
I found it hard he found validation through external means such as winning Celebrity Big Brother in the UK though (this may sound judgmental though I don’t mean to be), I’d love to see his self-validation. Perhaps I misunderstood what he meant by this, but that his performance abilities were finally accepted, not his ‘person and identity’.
It’s hard to witness an individual not fitting, not understanding how they should morph, or even if they should morph to fit any type of mould. Imagine not knowing? And imagine taking 30 odd years to work it out., then laying it all out.
Shane candidly says how difficult and wrought it was for him, of this I have no doubt. I’d love for him to find someone that loves him with as much passion and love he has inside, he falls hard and fast and wasn’t able to hold on to for the long run.
The book read in a conversational tone, written well, and narrated well. Dressing and preparing as Courtenay in drag sounds like such hard work, but he prepares so fastidiously as Courtney which certainly shows, and she shines in many ways.
I don’t watch reality television, so I really didn’t come into this with knowledge about Shane and Courtenay Act. I was very interested as I have an affinity with anything related to identity, sexuality and a journey such as this as I lost a family member to HIV AIDS in the early to mid-1980’s. I was told my uncle died of cancer because the truth was not to be revealed.
Oh, my how things have changed.
This story will not be for everyone, it’s full of in-depth info about a rampant sex life and awakening, and a very turbulent self-discovery of sexual identity, addiction, longing, and a very complex search for how Shane identifies. I am grateful he didn’t appear to succumb to addiction during this journey, and he was aware of this too.
He is so full of life and tells his story with such flair and flamboyance that absolutely suits him. Full of self-doubt, seeking validation in often precarious ways, this is a no holds barred story. He has done so much in a nonstop career - cabaret, a bit of 9-5 (SO not for him), tours with drag queens, lots of solo touring, Ru Pauls show RuPaul's Drag Race, and Australian Idol as well, and so much more.
I wasn’t surprised to see how horribly edited these reality shows are, all for ratings of course, and how shallow many of the players are (sorry for my judgemental anti reality television stance, just being honest). But in his ever-accepting way, seems to hold no real resentment about this.
A natural performer Shane started performing in his hometown of Brisbane as a young boy (with The Veronicas no less) which was fun to read about, he was a winner from the start and found his niche.
It was a long road to find where he truly fit, though. Traveling the world and meeting so many people, finding mentors such as Chaz Bono who gave him advice about things he hadn't even thought of before.
I found it hard he found validation through external means such as winning Celebrity Big Brother in the UK though (this may sound judgmental though I don’t mean to be), I’d love to see his self-validation. Perhaps I misunderstood what he meant by this, but that his performance abilities were finally accepted, not his ‘person and identity’.
It’s hard to witness an individual not fitting, not understanding how they should morph, or even if they should morph to fit any type of mould. Imagine not knowing? And imagine taking 30 odd years to work it out., then laying it all out.
Shane candidly says how difficult and wrought it was for him, of this I have no doubt. I’d love for him to find someone that loves him with as much passion and love he has inside, he falls hard and fast and wasn’t able to hold on to for the long run.
The book read in a conversational tone, written well, and narrated well. Dressing and preparing as Courtenay in drag sounds like such hard work, but he prepares so fastidiously as Courtney which certainly shows, and she shines in many ways.
July 16, 2022
A memoir…Intelligent, edifying and enjoyable…What a beautiful soul you are Shane Jenek!
Shane Jenek is not a name you might be too familiar with, though I suspect that is about to change with this book fast climbing to the top of the shelves.
It’s more likely that you are more familiar with his glamorous alter ego Courtney Act, who’s television appearances and on stage presence in drag has brought his beautiful persona to our attention in recent years.
Some of the words used to describe Shane/Courtney are: “Boy, girl, artist, advocate. Courtney is more than the sum of her parts.”
She also identifies as Queer or Genderfluid…words which are becoming more acceptably descriptive these days among the LGBTQIA community and generally.
I have watched him on television here and there and am really taken by how relaxed and confident he is in his own persona. He always comes across as totally genuine, which is so refreshing.
He speaks with obvious intelligence and eloquence on many subjects which he has clearly researched extensively.
From politics to promiscuity, he is very switched on to what’s going on, not only in his world, but in the world at large.
His clear focus and devotion to the work he does (in any field) is admirable and testament to his authenticity.
I really admire him for his candid honesty, his delivery is casual yet sensitive and respectful.
Before you sit down to read or listen…and I highly recommend the audio version… do try to suspend any preconceived ideas or beliefs and close your ears to any bits you might find uncomfortable…but do listen…listen to Shane’s open honesty, his integrity.
It comes through, so you can’t help but notice that he is comfortable in his own skin and does not seek approval…just acceptance.
Would that we could all feel such confidence and self respect, I feel certain the world would be a far better place.
Shane is not trying to sell himself to you, he’s just trying to prove (by example) that people who are different from the mainstream perception of “normal”…queer people…are not a threat to anyone else’s existence, they just want to be.
I am reminded of an old quote: “All my life I wanted to be somebody, only to discover that I am.”
We could learn a lot about tolerance and acceptance from Shane’s example…I’m not talking about his more personal proclivities, which I know will bother some people, but his example of being true to himself and others by honouring his true self without self limiting inhibitons.
Don’t overlook this book, Shane’s story may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a valuable story, worth listening to if you are interested in facts as opposed to speculation, and of promoting a more inclusive mentality.
The story is laugh out loud funny with heartrendingly honest confessions of poignant moments in his developing evolution.
It is a serious expose of a unique soul trying to find his groove in an often uncompromising world.
I loved it! Read the book and listen to the audio!
*The audio version gives you the added bonus of hearing Shane singing.
5 Glittering ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s! 💫
Shane Jenek is not a name you might be too familiar with, though I suspect that is about to change with this book fast climbing to the top of the shelves.
It’s more likely that you are more familiar with his glamorous alter ego Courtney Act, who’s television appearances and on stage presence in drag has brought his beautiful persona to our attention in recent years.
Some of the words used to describe Shane/Courtney are: “Boy, girl, artist, advocate. Courtney is more than the sum of her parts.”
She also identifies as Queer or Genderfluid…words which are becoming more acceptably descriptive these days among the LGBTQIA community and generally.
I have watched him on television here and there and am really taken by how relaxed and confident he is in his own persona. He always comes across as totally genuine, which is so refreshing.
He speaks with obvious intelligence and eloquence on many subjects which he has clearly researched extensively.
From politics to promiscuity, he is very switched on to what’s going on, not only in his world, but in the world at large.
His clear focus and devotion to the work he does (in any field) is admirable and testament to his authenticity.
I really admire him for his candid honesty, his delivery is casual yet sensitive and respectful.
Before you sit down to read or listen…and I highly recommend the audio version… do try to suspend any preconceived ideas or beliefs and close your ears to any bits you might find uncomfortable…but do listen…listen to Shane’s open honesty, his integrity.
It comes through, so you can’t help but notice that he is comfortable in his own skin and does not seek approval…just acceptance.
Would that we could all feel such confidence and self respect, I feel certain the world would be a far better place.
Shane is not trying to sell himself to you, he’s just trying to prove (by example) that people who are different from the mainstream perception of “normal”…queer people…are not a threat to anyone else’s existence, they just want to be.
I am reminded of an old quote: “All my life I wanted to be somebody, only to discover that I am.”
We could learn a lot about tolerance and acceptance from Shane’s example…I’m not talking about his more personal proclivities, which I know will bother some people, but his example of being true to himself and others by honouring his true self without self limiting inhibitons.
Don’t overlook this book, Shane’s story may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a valuable story, worth listening to if you are interested in facts as opposed to speculation, and of promoting a more inclusive mentality.
The story is laugh out loud funny with heartrendingly honest confessions of poignant moments in his developing evolution.
It is a serious expose of a unique soul trying to find his groove in an often uncompromising world.
I loved it! Read the book and listen to the audio!
*The audio version gives you the added bonus of hearing Shane singing.
5 Glittering ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s! 💫
March 11, 2022
CAUGHT IN THE ACT is hilarious, heartbreaking, honest, hopeful, and so much more. Shane lets it all out as they take us on a journey of self-discovery from childhood to the present day.
Shane’s openness and vulnerability about the highs, the lows, and the many questions in their life makes for a compelling memoir. It was entertaining. It was certainly educational (be warned: some of the sexcapades veer towards TMI). And while distressing at times, I think it was important that Shane didn’t shy away from the many difficulties of their life.
The personal bonus for me was that the book was also a trip down memory lane. The venues and the Sydney of the early 2000s that Shane mentions in the book are so familiar to me. It certainly put a smile on my face to listen to the book while the bus I take for my work commute trundles down Oxford Street – especially since a good number of the places mentioned in the book are still operating.
Shane Jenek narrates the audiobook, and does so brilliantly. His personable delivery had me willingly going along for the ride: The fun moments, the sombre moments, and the outrageous moments had my own emotions yo-yoing.
Thoroughly recommended!
4.5 stars
Shane’s openness and vulnerability about the highs, the lows, and the many questions in their life makes for a compelling memoir. It was entertaining. It was certainly educational (be warned: some of the sexcapades veer towards TMI). And while distressing at times, I think it was important that Shane didn’t shy away from the many difficulties of their life.
The personal bonus for me was that the book was also a trip down memory lane. The venues and the Sydney of the early 2000s that Shane mentions in the book are so familiar to me. It certainly put a smile on my face to listen to the book while the bus I take for my work commute trundles down Oxford Street – especially since a good number of the places mentioned in the book are still operating.
Shane Jenek narrates the audiobook, and does so brilliantly. His personable delivery had me willingly going along for the ride: The fun moments, the sombre moments, and the outrageous moments had my own emotions yo-yoing.
Thoroughly recommended!
4.5 stars
December 26, 2021
A rollicking good read full of warmth and humour, this memoir is an honest, upfront and informative tale of living life to the full and embracing who you are. Courtney Act is an iconic Aussie Diva, who sparkles on television, and who has compassion and kindness for others, as shown on her excellent interview show on ABC, One Plus One. Shane Jenek is a delightful storyteller whose wit and candour speaks to all of us, and who writes in a way that never speaks down to the reader, and who has a knack for explaining things well, and never in a pushy or condescending way. I loved the conversational, almost conspiratorial tone, treating the reader like a welcome friend. (I also enjoyed the raunchy bits a lot, not gonna lie! Very well written!) The book was entertaining, and I reckon that the author has the skill to write a rip-snorter of a fictional account of their experiences, and I for one would eat it up! Definitely recommend this for everyone!!
November 25, 2021
A really enjoyable addition to the genre of queer autobiographies. Stories of Sydney’s gay and drag scene in the 2000s, Drag Race goss, discussions of gender and sexuality… and an intimate introduction to the ins and outs of gay male sex. So to speak. It was really fun to listen to (yes, always get the audiobook for bios), and there weren’t too many times shared experiences made me feel upset. Sometimes a book is so close to home with not a lot of light-heartedness that you’ll probably never want to read it a second time.. but this wasn’t one of those books.
TWs for drug use, incl opioids, references to homophobia and transphobia.
TWs for drug use, incl opioids, references to homophobia and transphobia.
July 2, 2022
3.5 ⭐
It was funny, and educational at the same time. I liked the ongoing theme that you can have friends who become your family. It was nice to read about their parents being supportive, and might be a good example of what a parent or family member could read to better understand identity and sexuality, and the importance of being loved and celebrated for who you are.
Little slow towards the end, overall really good!!
It was funny, and educational at the same time. I liked the ongoing theme that you can have friends who become your family. It was nice to read about their parents being supportive, and might be a good example of what a parent or family member could read to better understand identity and sexuality, and the importance of being loved and celebrated for who you are.
Little slow towards the end, overall really good!!
July 17, 2022
Finally finished! Only took me 6 months lmao.
Such a fantastic read from an Australian queer icon. While I most likely wouldn’t recommend it without a colossal warning that there is a lot of vivid descriptions of sex (more than expected in a memoir) it’s a banger of a book which takes time to educate and teach about sexuality and gender identity. I might have to make a slightly abridged version to lend to my grandparents.
Such a fantastic read from an Australian queer icon. While I most likely wouldn’t recommend it without a colossal warning that there is a lot of vivid descriptions of sex (more than expected in a memoir) it’s a banger of a book which takes time to educate and teach about sexuality and gender identity. I might have to make a slightly abridged version to lend to my grandparents.
March 2, 2022
Part memoir, part sex manifesto, this book is brutally raw, insightful and hilarious. Shane Jenek is likeable, honest and utterly irreverent. Did I mention the graphic sex? Not for the faint hearted.
April 18, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down. Full of raw, emotional stories and insightful reflections. Especially loved the gay Sydney nostalgia chapters.
December 28, 2022
Readertoo_au on instagram
#caughtintheact by #shanejenek aka @courtneyact
…
"I said the name 'Courtney' slowly and broke down the syllables trying to find a hidden meaning…Court-an-ey. Caught in the. Caught in the Act! And there it was. My name. Courtney Act. Poor old Ginger LeBon never got to see the light of day. Probably for the best."
…
Jenek’s truthful, witty and authentic memoir reflects the unique experiences as Shane and the gender-fluid queer Courtney Act, which impacted a deeper understanding of self and the world around them
…
Readers will probably know Courtney Act through Australian Idol, Ru Paul’s Dragrace, Eurovision Australia, Big Brother, ABCD, AAA Girls, Dancing with the Stars, Brenda Call Me and much more. It is through the vignettes of these experiences from Jenek’s life that we literally witness the process of re-thinking and growth through challenging the biases of social constructs, particularly around sexuality and gender
…
It is with vulnerability, Jenek comes to terms with an understanding of gender identity, living proudly in the space “in between”
…
“I always feel like me; there is no point where Shane ends or Courtney begins, as we were two ends of the same stick. The world looks the same to me regardless of how I am dressed; it’s the world that looks differently at me”
…
Reading this book, I feel a great sense of pride for Shane and Courtney as they wholeheartedly continue to learn and hold space for challenging conversations about queer identity and culture
…
Despite his fame, writing Caught in the Act made Jenek realise there was a lot of his past he had never dealt with. “To reflect back on it … I just sat there sobbing, for that teenage boy who retrospectively struggled so much. I didn’t even know it was a struggle at the time, because it was just life happening.”
…
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging #read. Have you read this #book? What did you think?
…
“When it’s all stripped away, an intrinsic sense of being is all that remains. It just is”
#caughtintheact by #shanejenek aka @courtneyact
…
"I said the name 'Courtney' slowly and broke down the syllables trying to find a hidden meaning…Court-an-ey. Caught in the. Caught in the Act! And there it was. My name. Courtney Act. Poor old Ginger LeBon never got to see the light of day. Probably for the best."
…
Jenek’s truthful, witty and authentic memoir reflects the unique experiences as Shane and the gender-fluid queer Courtney Act, which impacted a deeper understanding of self and the world around them
…
Readers will probably know Courtney Act through Australian Idol, Ru Paul’s Dragrace, Eurovision Australia, Big Brother, ABCD, AAA Girls, Dancing with the Stars, Brenda Call Me and much more. It is through the vignettes of these experiences from Jenek’s life that we literally witness the process of re-thinking and growth through challenging the biases of social constructs, particularly around sexuality and gender
…
It is with vulnerability, Jenek comes to terms with an understanding of gender identity, living proudly in the space “in between”
…
“I always feel like me; there is no point where Shane ends or Courtney begins, as we were two ends of the same stick. The world looks the same to me regardless of how I am dressed; it’s the world that looks differently at me”
…
Reading this book, I feel a great sense of pride for Shane and Courtney as they wholeheartedly continue to learn and hold space for challenging conversations about queer identity and culture
…
Despite his fame, writing Caught in the Act made Jenek realise there was a lot of his past he had never dealt with. “To reflect back on it … I just sat there sobbing, for that teenage boy who retrospectively struggled so much. I didn’t even know it was a struggle at the time, because it was just life happening.”
…
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging #read. Have you read this #book? What did you think?
…
“When it’s all stripped away, an intrinsic sense of being is all that remains. It just is”
February 1, 2023
Incredible! Truly a beautifully authentic piece. My favorite that sums up the queer experience is a quote from Shane’s friend Alex Leon:
“Queer people don’t grow up as ourselves, we grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices authenticity to minimize humiliation and prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us and which parts we’ve created to protect us.”
“Queer people don’t grow up as ourselves, we grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices authenticity to minimize humiliation and prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us and which parts we’ve created to protect us.”
July 1, 2022
I really enjoyed listening to Shane Jenek read his own unique story, warts and all. His ‘Courtney fact’ pieces are really useful and his genuine endeavours to broaden and understand gender and sex issues for himself and more broadly are helpful for all of us; moves everyone on I think and genuinely contributes to some important conversations we need to have. Some pretty graphic tales of his sexual encounters, of which there are many, which also push out the stupid gender binary most of us live under. Read it for the content rather than its contribution to literature but I found his own authentic voice a breathe of fresh air and so also got bonus points for listening to it as an audio book
April 17, 2022
Courtney’s memoir is fun, enlightening and endearing. The first part felt a bit too worked to make it worthy to be in a book but as the memoir progressed the story gets more interesting and the writing style improves. If you’re a Drag race fan, this is definitely a must as Courtney spills the tea about season 6 and Mama Ru
July 1, 2022
3 ⭐️
I read this book for book club and although it was easy enough to read and the LBGTQ+ content is an important topic, not knowing who Courtney Act was before reading the book, made it hard for me to engage in the book. She wasn’t a celebrity that I new about and therefore had no real interest in reading about her life. I did find the Courtney Fact pages very helpful.
I read this book for book club and although it was easy enough to read and the LBGTQ+ content is an important topic, not knowing who Courtney Act was before reading the book, made it hard for me to engage in the book. She wasn’t a celebrity that I new about and therefore had no real interest in reading about her life. I did find the Courtney Fact pages very helpful.
January 23, 2024
I always rate memoirs pretty generously and this is no exception. Highly recommend audiobook for the full experience. Tbh it got a little repetitive for me as we got into the reality TV stuff but I appreciated the genuine vulnerability and the pitch of this book - towards people who perhaps don't know much about queer and trans people and drag culture, and maybe have just seen Courtney Act on TV or at the tennis concert or something. 'Beginners' (for want of a better word) will learn a lot from this book particularly with the short explainers scattered throughout.
A few impressions:
I thought the visualization of two spectrums, masc and femme and being at a point on both spectrums at any given time really rung true and I haven't seen that around before! Very cool.
The sex didn't bother me but I probably wouldn't recommend it to e.g. my parents. This kind of undermines the idea of who the audience is for this book. At the same time, I don't think ppl should have to sanitize their lives for palatability to straight ppl and I did think most of the sex recounts had a purpose - namely commentary on men, masculinity and sexuality, or a step in Shane's own journey of discovery and finding confidence in themself.
I probably could have done without the houses metaphor at the end (it was kind of giving slay children's story but then it mentioned the body corporate and I was like oh, this is for the boomers again lol), and personally didn't LOVE the chapter with the song interwoven, I think the song on its own in one block would have sounded way better, but nice sentiment.
Finally, I did feel a little patronised at the end when it came to speaking to people with different opinions and meeting them where they're at even when they are actively working against your rights, etc. Not because I disagree, the section just came across weird to me. Like, who was it for? I think most people know intuitively that good conversation is more impactful than a scolding, but it's hard to continue being polite and empathetic under certain conditions. Perhaps this message was more for allies in which case it makes sense, but without making the point that it's also okay to say no to those types of conversations, kinda came across like "this is what all us queer people should be doing"
So yeah just small things and I'm looking forward to seeing what Courtney does next. So curious what this memoir would look like another 20 yrs from now!
P.S. Of course my quibble will always be that despite broaching the topic, the book didn't do an amaaaazing job of unpacking the bi/pan discourse, although it did establish bi as an umbrella word which is better than just regurgitating "pan is more inclusive". a vague gesture at "our understanding of words changes over time" in my opinion doesn't really recognise that bi+ groups have used trans inclusive definitions for a loooong time (well, long by my standards haha). but, you know, the pitch is 101 so it was pretty good.
A few impressions:
I thought the visualization of two spectrums, masc and femme and being at a point on both spectrums at any given time really rung true and I haven't seen that around before! Very cool.
The sex didn't bother me but I probably wouldn't recommend it to e.g. my parents. This kind of undermines the idea of who the audience is for this book. At the same time, I don't think ppl should have to sanitize their lives for palatability to straight ppl and I did think most of the sex recounts had a purpose - namely commentary on men, masculinity and sexuality, or a step in Shane's own journey of discovery and finding confidence in themself.
I probably could have done without the houses metaphor at the end (it was kind of giving slay children's story but then it mentioned the body corporate and I was like oh, this is for the boomers again lol), and personally didn't LOVE the chapter with the song interwoven, I think the song on its own in one block would have sounded way better, but nice sentiment.
Finally, I did feel a little patronised at the end when it came to speaking to people with different opinions and meeting them where they're at even when they are actively working against your rights, etc. Not because I disagree, the section just came across weird to me. Like, who was it for? I think most people know intuitively that good conversation is more impactful than a scolding, but it's hard to continue being polite and empathetic under certain conditions. Perhaps this message was more for allies in which case it makes sense, but without making the point that it's also okay to say no to those types of conversations, kinda came across like "this is what all us queer people should be doing"
So yeah just small things and I'm looking forward to seeing what Courtney does next. So curious what this memoir would look like another 20 yrs from now!
P.S. Of course my quibble will always be that despite broaching the topic, the book didn't do an amaaaazing job of unpacking the bi/pan discourse, although it did establish bi as an umbrella word which is better than just regurgitating "pan is more inclusive". a vague gesture at "our understanding of words changes over time" in my opinion doesn't really recognise that bi+ groups have used trans inclusive definitions for a loooong time (well, long by my standards haha). but, you know, the pitch is 101 so it was pretty good.
November 4, 2023
This is my first autobiography and I absolutely loved it. I would never say I was the biggest Courtney Act Stan but I was always rooting for her in Drag Race Season 6 and it was great to hear about her background, where she has come from and the journey she has been on. She was so raw, honest and funny and it was incredibly infectious.
I listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox and I absolutely love that Shane Jenek read the book themselves. It didn't feel like I was listening to an audiobook, it felt like I was listening to Courtney on a podcast telling me their story. It felt deeply personal, like they were talking directly to me.
I loved how they used their platform to educate readers on important LGBTQ+ topics and issues, while keeping us hooked and engaged on their journey from Brisbane to the World.
I listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox and I absolutely love that Shane Jenek read the book themselves. It didn't feel like I was listening to an audiobook, it felt like I was listening to Courtney on a podcast telling me their story. It felt deeply personal, like they were talking directly to me.
I loved how they used their platform to educate readers on important LGBTQ+ topics and issues, while keeping us hooked and engaged on their journey from Brisbane to the World.
June 25, 2023
Extremely frank and revealing, this was everything I wanted it to be and more! The most impactful aspects of the book were the bits were the author was discussing their experiences of gender and how they navigated things and finally came to understand how they best identified and the realisation that they did not need to fit into the binary. There was even a song in the audiobook, which is definitely a first for me and really created an incredibly emotionally impactful moment where I shed a tear.
It was just a superb top tier autobiography that really made me think.
It was just a superb top tier autobiography that really made me think.
April 13, 2024
a national treasure
July 19, 2024
A few years ago I stumbled across a podcast called "Brenda, call me!" and it was pure joy listening to Courtney & Vanity educating and entertaining with pure joy. Was so excited to know this book had been written AND Shane was narrating it so grabbed the audible. A memoir, crossed with HOT life stores and great Courtney facts to truly educate us on the nuances of gender, sexuality, trans and allyship. A great listen 💕
February 21, 2023
Authentic. Unpretentious. Insightful. Flirtatious.
October 5, 2022
This was one of the best autobiographies I have read. I finished this in under 24 hours. I laughed, got emotional and learned a lot. I loved listing to Shane’s/Courtney’s journey though self discovery and growth.
September 17, 2022
4.5 stars! Love u Courtney
May 29, 2022
Being perfectly honest, as a 22 year old Australian woman heavily invested in queer culture I had no idea who Courtney Act was. This book had been promoted heavily at my local library and as a lover of drag and someone trying to get more into non-fiction I had to pick it up.
To my surprise, my boomer-aged parents piped up about the fact that I was reading the famous Courtney Act's book! How could my parents, who came from a generation of Australians who were alive while the White Australia Policy was around be familiar with a drag queen, yet I was not?
I will admit, I had only seen up to Season 5 of RuPaul's drag race at the time (I am currently working on that) and was too young to have seen Australian Idol at the time of Courtney's season.
This memoir is written in a style that I absolutely was not expecting - it has an educational tone in many places that I felt didn't apply to me in the slightest. I belong to a generation that have been called 'overly sensitive' and 'snowflakes' time and time again; a majority of us know everything under the sun about drag, queerness, gender and sexual identity. For this reason, I really didn't see this book as one that is targeted at myself. In fact, I had to skim sections of the 'lessons' and associated events as they made me feel patronised.
However I did thoroughly enjoy reading all about Shane and Courtney's life experiences and how they merged together. It's a life experience that is so outside of my own full of parties, hookups, a wide variety of jobs and shows that I could never even imagine encountering.
I think this book would be a great read for Aussies those that know Courtney Act as a 'household name' yet don't understand the concept of drag or are unfamiliar with aspects of queerness and queer culture.
To my surprise, my boomer-aged parents piped up about the fact that I was reading the famous Courtney Act's book! How could my parents, who came from a generation of Australians who were alive while the White Australia Policy was around be familiar with a drag queen, yet I was not?
I will admit, I had only seen up to Season 5 of RuPaul's drag race at the time (I am currently working on that) and was too young to have seen Australian Idol at the time of Courtney's season.
This memoir is written in a style that I absolutely was not expecting - it has an educational tone in many places that I felt didn't apply to me in the slightest. I belong to a generation that have been called 'overly sensitive' and 'snowflakes' time and time again; a majority of us know everything under the sun about drag, queerness, gender and sexual identity. For this reason, I really didn't see this book as one that is targeted at myself. In fact, I had to skim sections of the 'lessons' and associated events as they made me feel patronised.
However I did thoroughly enjoy reading all about Shane and Courtney's life experiences and how they merged together. It's a life experience that is so outside of my own full of parties, hookups, a wide variety of jobs and shows that I could never even imagine encountering.
I think this book would be a great read for Aussies those that know Courtney Act as a 'household name' yet don't understand the concept of drag or are unfamiliar with aspects of queerness and queer culture.
March 5, 2022
I’ve long admired Courtney Act. In particular, I recall the video of her being interviewed in England by preschool children. Mature, open, kind, sensitive. Yes, I wanted to know more about this person.
Shanes early years were especially enlightening, the love, affection and support within his family, his stage successes, his resilience against peers, his self confidence and at 18, finding his tribe, his family, his sense of connection and belonging, Letting his hair down, sewing wild oats, trying new things and then the fall into drugs and beating it. Loved the details about wigs and makeup, the specialist clothing stores in Sydney.
But….
The memoir then cheapens, coming across as self indulgent, self absorbed validation, reassurance that everything is ok and just as it should be.
Much of the second half of the book is superficial… one night stands, tipping in usa, the endless flights, sex, lack of sleep, tv popularity, smeared lipstick, hotel rooms not ready, sex, more sex.
And then there’s the “educational” material… drag, gay, transition, bi-sexual… I found it patronising, do I need to know all this, how can there be so many variations? I just wanted to read about his/her life, the struggles, the personal growth.
Gender presentation
While I transformed
Binary
Fluid
Empowering
Take back the narrative
So much insecurity.
If nothing else, this memoire could shorten the journey, reduce the trauma for others.
Three star for the open and honest account of life to date. It could have been so much more, five full stars, age and even more maturity and awareness will make that happen. Rewrite and add more soon.
Shanes early years were especially enlightening, the love, affection and support within his family, his stage successes, his resilience against peers, his self confidence and at 18, finding his tribe, his family, his sense of connection and belonging, Letting his hair down, sewing wild oats, trying new things and then the fall into drugs and beating it. Loved the details about wigs and makeup, the specialist clothing stores in Sydney.
But….
The memoir then cheapens, coming across as self indulgent, self absorbed validation, reassurance that everything is ok and just as it should be.
Much of the second half of the book is superficial… one night stands, tipping in usa, the endless flights, sex, lack of sleep, tv popularity, smeared lipstick, hotel rooms not ready, sex, more sex.
And then there’s the “educational” material… drag, gay, transition, bi-sexual… I found it patronising, do I need to know all this, how can there be so many variations? I just wanted to read about his/her life, the struggles, the personal growth.
Gender presentation
While I transformed
Binary
Fluid
Empowering
Take back the narrative
So much insecurity.
If nothing else, this memoire could shorten the journey, reduce the trauma for others.
Three star for the open and honest account of life to date. It could have been so much more, five full stars, age and even more maturity and awareness will make that happen. Rewrite and add more soon.
December 11, 2021
I don’t watch a lot of reality TV so I didn’t know of Courtney (and I don’t think Shane is known on TV) beforehand, which meant I got to know them through their own voice in this book. I really liked having no preconceived ideas and just getting know them as they got to know themself and hearing about life growing up in their skin. They are very obviously an incredibly insightful, strong, brave (and funny!) person with much to share with the world and I’m glad they found the stage and platform to do so. I totally appreciated the Courtney Facts throughout the book - some things I knew, some things I didn’t, some things I thought I knew, and some things I just really appreciated hearing from the source kwim rather than just guessing or assuming. 10/10 everyone (over a certain age, as there is some adult content) should read this book. I read the audio book and loved hearing it narrated by the author.
December 24, 2021
Thank you @courtneyact for writing this. I grew up to be quite naive about the LGBTQIA + community, growing up in Tassie it was rarely discussed, I appreciate the raw information Courtney shares and i know fee more informed and proudly an ally.
I have been following Courtney since Australian Idol and loved the nostalgic feel of this memoir. Courtney literally leaves nothing out, her retelling of Sydney in the early 2000’s really makes you realise how dar we’ve come as a society.
If you’re easily offended, or consider yourself prudish probably not the one for you, but i loved listening to the @audible version and reliving the journey with Shane narrating.
Thank you for educating me @courtneyact 💕 please don’t stop being you
July 23, 2022
Trigger warnings: homophobia, homophobic slurs, drug use, drug abuse, blood, mentions of HIV, transphobia, transphobic slurs, gaslighting, graphic descriptions of sex.
This was a mixture of utterly hilarious and also very heartfelt. I adore Courtney Act and have for years, so I was very excited to read this. I had a fantastic time reading this, and really loved the way Jenek discusses gender and sexuality and the importance of lifelong learning. Obviously I also have to give a shout out to Jenek's mention of school libraries as safe spaces for the kids who don't fit in.
It's an extremely honest, warts-and-all kind of a book, and part of me wishes I'd listened to an audiobook version so I could have had Jenek's animated personality telling me their story.
This was a mixture of utterly hilarious and also very heartfelt. I adore Courtney Act and have for years, so I was very excited to read this. I had a fantastic time reading this, and really loved the way Jenek discusses gender and sexuality and the importance of lifelong learning. Obviously I also have to give a shout out to Jenek's mention of school libraries as safe spaces for the kids who don't fit in.
It's an extremely honest, warts-and-all kind of a book, and part of me wishes I'd listened to an audiobook version so I could have had Jenek's animated personality telling me their story.
April 28, 2022
This book is interesting but quite flawed. The biggest issues for me were the constant repetition and the strange structural and content mix. Large portions of the book were just recounts of sexual exploits which didn’t really serve a narrative purpose and became very repetitive. The other parts included definitions, facts, and essays on gender and sexuality. Then there were recounts of Shane’s life and career and his constant gender querying. I listened to the audiobook and there was even a very cringey (and pitchy) song… it just felt a bit messy and read more like a diary where Shane was working through some internalised trauma rather than an actual memoir.
January 3, 2022
I had never heard of Courtney Act when I got this audiobook. Honestly....I just liked the cover. But I really enjoyed her coming to understand herself (she uses she, him and their, but refers to herself as she when being Courtney, which is how this was written) and has such an honest approach even when she felt confused and conflicted. I will definitely try to find her on videos from Australian Idol and other shows she (or he) was on.
I definitely recommend this book, but be prepared for some parts that are graphic, though a fairly small part of the book.
I definitely recommend this book, but be prepared for some parts that are graphic, though a fairly small part of the book.
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