'All Boys Aren't Blue,' a memoir for teens and young adults about growing up Black and queer, appeared on many 'best books' lists when published in 2020. Now it's being challenged in some U.S. counties.
For me it has been a bittersweet journey. I've said this story a few times but I always knew that I was going to get banned. It was during a meeting back in 2018, after signing my deal, when I first brought up the thought. Angie Thomas'were starting to face challenges in a few areas in the country. I kept thinking about all the topics I was going to discuss, some similar to theirs, and I knew my little book didn't stand a chance.
Now, on one hand, the bans in many ways have had a reverse effect as many who never knew my book existed were able to find it. Many who didn't know that there was a story for them in this world now share my story and are empowered to live their lives in their full truth and power. However, it has also forced many young adults to see the ugliest side of this country. The racist, homophobic side that continues to dehumanize LGBTQ people, specifically Black LGBTQ people.
I often think about how Black storytelling — even more Black queer storytelling — has always been suppressed, erased, or white washed. Many of us now are only learning about the lexicon of Black writings that have existed in this country, even during slavery. And yet, we find ourselves in the same fight as many of our ancestors. Simply wanting our story to be told about us, for us, by us.
Our stories will inspire the next generation of young writers. That's how it's always been in the Black community. When you look at our history you will know how connected the writers of our past were to the next generation of writers after them. They served as inspiration, mentors, editors and more to ensure that the storytelling kept going. I often feel this obligation to keep telling stories despite those who continue trying to erase mine.
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