Basically Queer offers an introduction to what it can look and feel like to live life as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, two spirited and trans. Written by youth and elders who’ve lived these lives first hand, the book combines no-nonsense explanations, definitions, and information with engaging stories and poetry that bring them to life. Basically Queer answers those questions that many want to ask but fear will give offence: What is it really like to be queer? What’s appropriate language? How can I be an ally? It also provides a succinct and readable account of queer history and legal rights worldwide, addresses intergenerational issues, and offers some tips and tricks for living queer. It does so in an easy and conversational style that will be accessible to most readers, including teens. The text will be of interest to those teaching courses in gender, sexuality, queer and women’s studies. It will be a useful resource for those who are questioning or examining their sexual or gender identities and those who are in relationship with them, such as doctors, teachers, parents, or friends.

Drs. Claire Robson and Jen Marchbank are faculty members at Simon Fraser University. Kelsey Blair is a doctoral student there. Contributors to the anthology include members of Quirk-e, the Queer Imaging & Riting Kollective for Elders, whose 26 members have worked together in Vancouver for ten years under the direction of Robson and Blair. The youth authors are drawn from Youth for A Change, an advocacy/activist youth group led by Marchbank and her wife, Sylvie Traphan. The group offers training and education to schools and other organizations, and monitors policy decisions by local government.