This powerful YA memoir-manifesto follows journalist and LGBTQ+ activist George M. Johnson as they explore their childhood, adolescence, and college years, growing up under the duality of being black and queer.
From memories of getting their teeth kicked out by bullies at age five to their loving relationship with their grandmother, to their first sexual experience, the stories wrestle with triumph and tragedy and cover topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, inequality, consent, and Black joy.
By Natalia
I’m forever thankful that George M. Johnson has written this (YA) memoir – his personal story. With amazing depth, vulnerability and raw honesty, GMJ writes about what it was like growing up as a queer Black man in the US. He touches upon heavy subjects such as bullying, masculinity, gender expectations, sexual abuse, police brutality, and having to play Abraham Lincoln in a school play.
He also asks serious questions about compulsory heterosexuality, gender performance, and exploring your sexuality.
I also thoroughly loved his stories about his family, especially about his Nanny. I can relate to having a grandmother that makes you feel seen.
I wasn’t necessarily the intended audience for this book, but while I was reading it I kept thinking about my own personal experience growing up queer and how I was often questioning my femininity.
