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Should You Read All Boys Aren't Blue?

Cover art for All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Anderson

With so many books out there, it can be hard to know which are worth your time—and which are better left on the shelf. No matter your gender identity, sexuality, or background, I strongly believe All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson deserves a place on your reading list.


I picked up this “memoir-manifesto” because it’s a banned book—and I’ve always been a bit rebellious. I reject the idea that anyone should be told what they can or can’t read. But I kept reading because of the powerful, heartfelt story Johnson shares: a deeply personal journey of growing up Black and nonbinary in America.


What is All Boys Aren't Blue About?

The book explores race, gender identity, sexuality, and trauma with candor and poignancy. Even the name you go by can be given and taken away by others, which makes identity a fragile yet powerful thing. Identity is an essential part of existence, as those who identify as transgender and nonbinary know very well.


What makes it so powerful is how personal it is. And I believe that the more we’re exposed to stories from people different from ourselves, the more we learn—not just about others, but about who we are. Johnson’s story reminds us that while surface-level differences do matter, so do the universal human experiences: the struggle for self-acceptance, the pain of being misunderstood, and the courage it takes to defy stereotypes.


Exploring Sexuality and Gender Identity

All Boys Aren’t Blue challenged many of my own assumptions about gender and sexuality—how often we categorize people based on shallow traits like interests, clothing, or behaviors. It's human nature to organize the world based on our own experiences, but this instinct can flatten nuance and erase individuality. More importantly, it can create a dangerous precedent for erasure of someone's identity.


Binary labels like “straight/gay,” “cisgender/transgender,” or even racial classifications like “Black/white/brown” can obscure more than they reveal. Johnson’s book is a powerful reminder of how limiting these boxes are—and how freeing it can be to move beyond them.


Why Are Books Like This Being Banned?

It’s troubling how many books by LGBTQ+ authors have been banned, removed from school libraries, or otherwise targeted. There seems to be a belief that simply reading about queer people will somehow “influence” young readers—as though learning about different ways of being is dangerous.


But isn’t that the very point of education? To explore, question, and grow? If we don’t trust young people to engage with challenging ideas, how can we expect them to become thoughtful adults? Even as an adult, I’m still learning from what I read. Why should that ever stop?


The Role of Race and Racism

In a time when conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion are being stripped from public policy—and even civil rights are being rolled back—it’s refreshing to read such honest reflections on race and racism.


Johnson describes being embraced by their Black family in many ways, yet still not feeling safe enough to share everything—especially when it came to gender identity and sexuality. This tension between racial and queer identities is something many LGBTQ+ people of color face: being accepted in one aspect of their identity but not another.


Does reading about racism and privilege make you uncomfortable? If it does, that might be all the more reason to read this book. Discomfort isn’t always a sign of danger—it’s often a sign of growth. Sometimes it means your usual way of thinking is being challenged. And that’s where real learning begins.


white female journalist interviewing George M. Johnson about their writing and advocacy work
George M. Johnson, the author, makes important points about race, gender and trauma.

A Note on Sexual Trauma

A brief but powerful section of the book recounts Johnson’s experience of sexual trauma. This part may be difficult for some readers, especially survivors of similar experiences. If you know this subject could be triggering for you, consider reading with support in place—whether that’s a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.


That said, this experience is just one part of a much broader narrative. I don’t mention it to deter you, but to help you approach it with care if needed. There’s so much richness in this book—it’s worth the read, even if it stirs up hard feelings.


Read This Book If You Want to Understand

At its heart, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a beautifully written coming-of-age story. It’s charming, moving, and at times uncomfortable—but always worth it. Johnson writes with honesty and heart, and their words will stay with you long after you finish the last page.


To quote them directly:

“The greatest tool you have in fighting the oppression of your Blackness and queerness and anything else within your identity is to be fully educated on it. Knowledge is truly your sharpest weapon in a world hell-bent on telling you stories that are simply not true.”

If you’re exploring your gender identity or sexual orientation, or simply want to broaden your understanding of race and queerness, this book is an excellent starting point. And if you're looking for a safe, supportive space to talk through these issues, LGBTQ+ therapy can help. Please call 661-233-6771 or click the button below to learn more.





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