The feeling of being “not normal” probably accompanies many queer people. Often it remains until they go through their internal coming-out and eventually take the step to live openly. Many fears are tied to one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s the fear of rejection, the fear of losing relationships, and the fear of a life that suddenly feels different from what one imagined.
In the past, many people felt alone with these emotions. There were no people to look up to, to give courage, or to show that a self-determined and happy life is possible. Today, thankfully, that has changed. Visibility has grown, and there are personalities who can serve as role models, offering guidance and easing fears. Among them is Aljosha Muttardi, who shows many people that honesty and self-acceptance are not only possible but also liberating.
An Activist Without a Moralizing Finger
Aljosha Muttardi works as an anesthesiologist at a hospital and is also a successful content creator. He came to a wide audience as a member of the “Fab Five” in Netflix’s production “Queer Eye Germany,” which was awarded the Grimme Special Prize in 2023. In public life, he advocates for social justice and speaks on topics such as veganism, racism, equality, and mental health. In doing so, he tries to bring more honesty and transparency into the often glossy world of social media. His content is self‑ironical, humorous, and comes without a moralizing tone, which makes him particularly relatable for many people.
After mostly talking about queer topics, mental health, and social responsibility on his social channels, he now chooses a much broader and simultaneously more personal format. In his book “Gut wird’s hier nicht mehr, aber besser” he opens up space for all that doesn’t fit into short videos and posts. Across more than 240 pages, he shares experiences that have shaped him and recounts moments he had only hinted at before.
Unvarnished Truths with High Relatability
Readers will quickly notice that Aljosha isn’t trying to present himself in a particularly flattering light. Instead, he opts for an open and honest look at himself. He describes thoughts from his past that he now partly regrets and talks about his parents’ decisions, which were surely well‑intentioned but didn’t always contribute to his well‑being. While reading, it feels as if nothing is sugarcoated. The narratives appear unfiltered and immediate, as if there were no taboo topics for him.
On the contrary: he tackles a remarkable range of issues. These include self‑doubt, ADHD, love, family influences, and of course many aspects of queer life. This openness makes the book not only personal but also relatable and moving for many readers. It’s especially nice that you don’t need to have followed him beforehand. Even without prior knowledge, you’ll quickly find access to his story and be able to identify with many of his experiences and feelings.
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Heavy Topics, but with an Optimistic View Ahead
While many of these topics can be burdensome, Aljosha finds a comfortable way to tell them. He remains honest without being overwhelming and manages to lend a light touch to even difficult moments. As a result, he pours a substantial dose of optimism into the later parts of the book, in line with the title “Gut wird’s hier nicht mehr, aber besser” (Things Won’t Get Better Here Anymore, But They Will).
With the book you not only get to know Aljosha as a person better, but you also gain deep insights into many topics that go beyond his own biography. Especially interesting are his accounts of the Netflix show “Queer Eye Germany,” which he writes about at length. Readers learn why not everything happened as it later appeared on TV, and gain a realistic sense of how the show business actually works.
A Book That Encourages Self-Reflection
Similarly, it opens doors to many other areas that you may have had only limited insights into so far. Most of all, you’ll learn a bit more about yourself while reading. The book invites you to reflect on your own experiences, patterns, and attitudes and to question them.
The recommendation is clear: read it—not only to get to know Aljosha, but also to understand yourself a little better.
Aljosha Muttardi: Things Won’t Get Better Here Anymore, But They Will. An Attempt to Navigate This World. 272 pages. Verlag Droemer HC. Munich 2026. Hardcover: €22 (ISBN: 978-3-426-56864-4). E-Book: €18.99