The freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Book bans that restrict reading materials based on political, ideological, or cultural preferences of the individuals calling for book bans are a violation of this human right. And such censorship can have harmful consequences, particularly on historically marginalized groups, whose communities are often underrepresented in literature.

The next book in this discussion series will be All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson.

In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.

While praise has been heaped on Johnson's collection of essays for young adults, it also received a reported 82 challenges in 2023 for "LGBTQIA+ content" and "claimed to be sexually explicit" making it the #2 most challenged book of 2023. It has also been reported to be banned in more than 29 school districts across the country.

So please join us for this thoughtful discussion as we work to build community across differences, increase awareness of our own blind spots, and help align our behavior with intentions.

Our special guest will be Layla Orlando, Director of Health Equity & Wellness, Garden State Equality.

Praise

"An absolute necessity... the personal stories and the healing and reconciliation of self in this title are all undeniably honest and relatable" -Booklist

“Johnson’s debut is a collection of heartfelt personal essays revolving around themes of identity and family...”  -Publishers Weekly

“A personal examination of what it's like to grow up as a black and queer young man” -POPSUGAR