Johnson has an incredible way of storytelling. I was transported into their reality and they illustrates the intersectionality of blackness and queerness, in my opinion, perfectly. My heart broke. It understood. It was enraged and it made me want to do better. To speak up against my elders, to be there for my future children. 

They also goes very in depth on their journey of identity and talks about how it’s a process, a long process, where you may be constantly evolving.

This book also covered code-switching, the crappiness of the American “history,” that is taught, finding community, how gender is a projection, toxic masculinity and more.

This book is real. This book is honest. This book is raw. This book is important.

Johnson writes:
“Symbolism gives folks hope. But, I’ve come to learn that symbolism is a threat to actual change— it’s a chance for those in power to say, ‘look how far you’ve come,’ rather than admitting, ‘look how long we’ve stopped you from getting here.’”

So keeping that in mind? Keep working. Keep evolving. Keep learning. 

BEFORE READING: Please check the triggers and read the authors note, which is truly touching.