All Boys Aren't Blue

For Johnson's whole life, he's been able to depend on his family, even if they don't understand or necessarily agree with his choices. Talk about a time you've relied on your family or friends and they've fully supported you. Are there things you're going through now that you could use support with? Even things you're afraid won't be fully understood?

When he was in college, Johnson was initially torn about joining a fraternity. On the one hand, he was afraid of the backlash he would get for his effeminate nature. On the other hand, it was incredibly important to him to determine masculinity on his own terms. He ended up loving being in a fraternity—so much that he was eventually its president—and formed lifelong bonds with his brothers. What's a club, activity, or hobby you've been interested in engaging with but have been afraid you won't be accepted? What are pros and cons to trying it out?

One of the most powerful moments in the book comes when Johnson recognizes the "firsts"—the first Black people who have accomplished various things and the way they've been celebrated for doing so. But he also recognizes that the fact these firsts came in such recent history is in itself an indignity. He says, "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 have come' rather than admitting, 'Look how long we've stopped you from getting here.'" Think about your school, neighborhood, community, friend group, family, and government. Where do you recognize a symbolic gesture that's taking the place of real change? What can you do to lobby for change to occur?

Johnson wrote this book as 1) a celebration of queer Black boys and opportunity for them to see a successful person who was once in their shoes and 2) a guide for teenagers who are looking to better understand and advocate for their peers. If you could write a memoir-manifesto, what would your purpose be? Who would you be writing it for? What hope would you be giving them?

There are three main points in this book that speak openly about death: that of Johnson's cousin, line brother, and grandmother. In these moments, Johnson's pain is palpable, but he also takes time to rejoice in their lives and recognize the support he's gotten from loved ones. What's a difficult loss or moment you've gone through? Who or what helped you move past it? How can you see yourself helping a loved one who is going through something similar?