Caught in the Act

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Pub Date Nov 02 2021 | Archive Date Mar 21 2023

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Description

Boy, girl, artist, advocate. Courtney is more than the sum of her parts.


Meet Shane Jenek. Raised in the Brisbane suburbs by loving parents, Shane realises from a young age that he's not like all the other boys. He finds his tribe at a performing arts agency, where he discovers his passion for song, dance and performance. Shane makes a promise to himself- to find a bigger stage.


Meet Courtney Act. Born in Sydney around the turn of the millennium, Courtney makes her name in the gay bars of Oxford Street and then on Australian Idol. Over ten 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 national and 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.

Boy, girl, artist, advocate. Courtney is more than the sum of her parts.


Meet Shane Jenek. Raised in the Brisbane suburbs by loving parents, Shane realises from a young age that he's not like all the...


Advance Praise

‘He says… she says… there is a lot more to drag than just a wig and a frock. This read is shockingly honest, raunchy, funny and moving, and a hugely surprising education for me. A must-read for anyone curious to know the complexities of being Shane and Courtney!’ – Dannii Minogue

‘Glorious, heartfelt, passionate and inspirational – a glamorous frock-filled adventure that explores the full fluidity of Shane’s boundless bravery, love and humanity.’ – Osher Günsberg

‘A coming-of-age story like no other. It is an honour to dive into the world of a young queer kid from the Australian suburbs and learn how they became an icon of entertainment and social politics.’ – The Veronicas

‘From winning Tiny Tot pageants to winning our hearts as an inspirational icon, Shane has one hell of a story to tell. Chock-full of hilarity, honesty and wisdom, this is a classic tale of a search for identity – with masking tape, Spice Girls and RuPaul.’ – Amanda Keller

‘Caught in the Act is an incredibly insightful memoir of the life of one of my dearest friends. As close as we are, it actually gave me a deeper understanding of my little “Pussyface”. Personally, my favourite parts were on pages 7, 32, 204, 236, 244–249, 255, 257, 277, 278, 284, 293, 323 and 324. The pages where I’m mentioned.’ – Bianca Del Rio

‘Courtney is a true star. I’m so thrilled with this book and its beautiful, powerful storytelling.’ – Carlotta

‘We already suspected it, but this fearless, candid and open-hearted memoir proves that behind Courtney Act’s make-up is an emotionally intelligent and fiercely astute human being. We’re frankly lucky to be on the planet at the same time as them.’ – Benjamin Law

‘Shane and Courtney have conspired to deliver the anatomy of a truly great memoir. It’s as camp as lashes and has balls of steel. It’s sharp tongued and eye-poppingly candid. Its head flows with beautiful ideas and its heart pounds with a fearless love. Ms Jenek presents an outrageously clear-eyed narrative on the highly nuanced universe of gender fluidity. This is essential reading for us curious but confused boomers!’ – Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson

‘This is a coming-of-age and coming-out story like no other; Shane’s incisive mind and big heart pour out onto the pages. Shane and Courtney are a class Act!’ – Hamish Macdonald

‘Courtney Act is a great storyteller, and let’s just say she's been around long enough to have a lot of stories. 10 out of 10, would recommend.’ – Bob the Drag Queen

‘Funny, smart, kind and entirely addictive, this is a glorious insight into an exceptional life. A road map for anyone who feels different and wants to let that side of themself shine.’ – Matt Lucas

‘It’s like witnessing the metamorphosis of one of the world’s most beautiful drag queens. With vulnerability and honesty, Shane delves deep into the many light-bulb moments of self-discovery, sexual exploration and gender identity. It’s the ultimate LGBTIQA+ handbook and guide for us all to live an open-hearted life.’ – Narelda Jacobs

‘Caught in the Act is about improvising your destiny through the power of passion and imagination. Courtney Act’s writing is hilarious, horny and achingly moving, often all at once. You can almost smell the poppers and nail polish remover wafting off the page. I couldn’t put it down.’ – Jake Shears

‘Who wouldn’t love a frolic through life with Australia’s favourite girl next door? This book is whip-smart and deliciously funny, but above all else made me proud to know there are voice’s like Courtney’s in the world. Bow down to our queen, Australia.’ – Joel Creasey

‘Shane is such a legend, I’m not even surprised that this book is so awesome. All the laughs, all the feels – what an unreal read. Get down and get with it.’ – Nat’s What I Reckon

‘In a world where there are now more drag queens than pubs, it’s hard to stand out. You need to be pretty, witty and unstoppable. Courtney is all three and more. I love this book.’ – Boy George


‘He says… she says… there is a lot more to drag than just a wig and a frock. This read is shockingly honest, raunchy, funny and moving, and a hugely surprising education for me. A must-read for...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780648795131
PRICE A$32.99 (AUD)