George M. Johnson, known to his family as Matthew, and his school friends as George, hopes this YA memoir-manifesto will help LGBTQIA+ young people struggling to self-identify and become comfortable with what they feel and know about themselves. George wishes there had been a book like this when he was in grade school, middle school, and high school that would have provided some guidance and answers to the questions he faced from family and friends. May those who open the cover find something helpful whoever and wherever they are in their own personal journeys.
George grew up in a loving family. His parents were busy with their jobs so after school time and many weekends were spent with his grandmother, Nanny. He always knew he was different, but his family never made him feel "different" in a negative way. He loved things that girls love, but he also proved his athletic abilities which earned him the respect of the boys and men in his life.
Even though George felt loved and accepted, he didn't fully come out until he was twenty-five. Until then he explored and experimented, but still answered "no" when asked if he was gay. In this memoir he thanks those who played a role in helping him discover and accept his true self. Not an easy journey, he now writes about being a Black Queer man with an openness that is welcome in the Queer community and beyond.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this copy in my NCTE/ALAN book box. It was also a pleasure to "meet" and hear from the author at the 2020 ALAN virtual conference.
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