MEDIA MENTIONS
KALW JUNE 2024
Celebrating Pride Month with Banned LGBTQ+ Authors
On this edition of Your Call, we’re marking Pride Month by celebrating LGBTQ+ authors whose books have been banned. In the first half of the 2023 school year, 4,349 books were banned across 23 states and 52 public school districts, according to PEN America. Collectively, the fall’s bans impact millions of students. Also, several Republican-controlled states have passed laws that threaten librarians with massive fines or even jail time for providing “obscene” or “harmful” titles.
Essence JUNE 2024
The Native Son Awards Celebrates Black Queer Excellence
Attendees for the prestigious evening included LaQuan Smith, Brandon Blackwood, Jeremy Pope and more. These guests celebrated community and brotherhood at the IAC Building in New York City.
Smile Politely JUNE 2024
Clint Smith, Tony Diaz, More Featured at Free People Read Freely
The University of Illinois Press, University of Illinois System, and CARLI have announced a literary symposium, Free People Read Freely: Literacy, Inclusion, and Democracy, which takes place August 20-21 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and iHotel. Featuring speakers, panels, and more, they’ll take on topics including “book banning, censorship, and the importance of reading and books to fostering public dialogue, inclusion, and engaged citizenship.”
PRISM JUNE 2024
Authors and Free Speech Advocates Rally Against Book Bans at Miami Event
During a passionate gathering at the 2024 Right to Read Celebration in Miami’s premier art museum along the Biscayne Bay, the battle against censorship and book bans took center stage.
Book Riot May 2024
The Best Recent LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride Month, According to Goodreads
June is only a few days away, which means it’s time to start planning Pride celebrations! And for readers, that means building a themed TBR. It’s always a good time to read queer books, but Pride is the perfect excuse to bump those books to the top of your TBR.
Times Union May 2024
The 57 Books Challenged in New York Libraries in 2023
Seven books that drew the most challenges from library patrons in 2023 across New York state as seen at the Washington Avenue Branch of the Albany Public Library on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Albany, NY.
Mamba April 2024
LGBTQ+ Books Dominate America’s Most Challenged Books List
The association recently unveiled its annual list spotlighting books targeted with censorship attempts, with hundreds of demands for their removal from library shelves. The American Library Association publishes a list each year of its “most challenged” books. These are the titles that they are most often asked to ban or restrict. The organization publishes its list to highlight the issue of censorship.
Here is the Latest List of Queer Books Conservatives Really DON’T Want You To Read
The American Library Association publishes a list each year of its “most challenged” books. These are the titles that they are most often asked to ban or restrict. The organization publishes its list to highlight the issue of censorship.
An angry and unruly crowd confronted the Newfound Area School Board on March 11 over alleged licentious policy decisions that made sexually explicit reading material available to students.
The Right to Read Day celebration, hosted by MSNBC’s Katie Phang and held at the Hub in Pinecrest, Fla., will feature discussions with banned and challenged authors, including Lauren Groff, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ellen Hopkins, George M. Johnson, David Levithan, Ashley Hope Perez, Jodi Picoult, and Jacqueline Woodson.
Knowledge is power, so it’s not that surprising that books have historically been banned to repress the power of others.
The celebs we interviewed for Black, Out & Proud may be world-famous now, but they grew up looking up to someone just like us. In our interviews, they told us all about their Black queer icons, from fashion girlies like Rihanna and Zendaya to luminaries like James Baldwin and Janelle Monáe.
It’s Black History Month, which means there’s no better time to engage with great historical and contemporary Black art. But wait a minute…shouldn’t we be decolonizing our bookshelves all year long?
For far too long, Black queer and trans youth have had their voices muffled. This new conference is here to change that. The inaugural Black Identity Development Conference is bringing Black LGBTQ+ youth together for an event unlike any other.
It’s not every day you write a book that ends up being the second most banned and challenged book in the United States. Enter George M. Johnson. The author, journalist, and activist published their memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, in 2020.
GMJ expands on Football player Travis Kelce and Texas student Darryl George, who both sport historically Black hairstyles — but only one of them is getting penalized for it.
George M. Johnson, author of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” to be featured in the next Critical Conversation program at Red Bank Basie Center.
Celebrate Black History Month through exclusive interviews with Black queer trailblazers, from Angelica Ross to Da Brat, and many more!
Author George M. Johnson talks about resisting censorship and supporting queer youth.
Charis and Auburn Avenue Research Library welcome George M. Johnson in conversation with Kimberly Latrice Jones for a discussion of All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto. In a series of personal essays, a prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue explores their childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia.
MSNBC host Ali Velshi remarked that Moms For Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice “liked to say the word dildo” on Friday after Justice used the word a number of times during an interview with MSNBC’s Joy Reid.
The artist is expressing his spirituality on his terms alongside his queerness. And that’s his right.
Growing up Black and queer in New Jersey, they rarely saw themself represented — in popular culture or in their own community — and suppressed their true self as they struggled to navigate a society that was not built for them.
A lawsuit challenging the Escambia County School District’s removal of books from school libraries will move forward toward a jury trial, in a closely watched case that could have implications for parents and students across the state.
This year, George M. Johnson’s memoir, “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” was chosen to be highlighted amid its place in the national discussion regarding the boundaries of education, diversity, and freedom of expression.
PEN America, Penguin Random House, Authors, and Parents Argue that Book Bans in Escambia County Violate the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause
When Beyoncé decided to let us enter her House of Renaissance, the goal was precise and profound: it was time to embark on a journey to uncover the most liberated versions of ourselves.
Banned book review: George M. Johnson’s provocative and necessary debut YA memoir, ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue.’
GMJ’s book, All Boys Aren’t Blue, is banned in 29 school districts, making it the second-most banned book in the United States.
All Boys Aren’t Blue author, activist, and journalist George M. Johnson spoke at CAA Amplify event in Ojai, California.
Author of the second most banned book in the country, George M Johnson, sits down with Steve to talk about their memoir-manifesto, All Boys Aren’t Blue, and the societal impact of banning literature in public schools.
Fashion’s role in expressing gender and sexuality with George M. Johnson.
“There is no Blackness without queerness because queer people have always existed within Blackness,” Johnson tells theGrio.
East Texans are speaking out about the placement of two books at the Tyler Public Library.
Guest host journalist Aisha Mills is joined by George M. Johnson, author of one of the most banned books, All Boys Aren’t Blue.
From book bans to anti-LGBTQ legislation, this month is a reminder of what’s at stake
GMJ Keynote Speech
Illinois is headed in the other direction, with new legislation awaiting the governor’s signature, setting a precedent in the fight against bans across the state.
Utah’s indie bookstores are leading the charge against school book bans
A large number of titles targeted feature people of color of LGBTQ+ themes and characters.
Award-winning non-binary author and one of Time’s “Next Most Influential People” George M. Johnson spoke at Monroe Community College on Wednesday during its annual Scholars’ Day showcase.
Bucknell Forum to feature renowned author and actress…
Author of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” stopped by the photo and video studio at the Los Angeles Festival of Books.
‘They can’t ban all the books’: Why two banned authors are so optimistic
“This is how fascism begins,” warned George M. Johnson, author of the young adult novel “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” early in a sold-out panel on Sunday at USC’s Newman Recital Hall during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books…”
Their Memoir Is One of the Most Banned Books in America
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of books being banned or challenged in school districts across the country. While there’s a long history of book banning and censorship in America…”
One of America’s Most Banned Authors Is Appalled by Conservative Censorship — and Liberal Silence
“In 2020, George M. Johnson was still settling into a new life as a published author, more specifically a memoirist with a book that people were reading…”
George M. Johnson on The Friday Nightcap with Stephanie Ruhle
“Republican state lawmakers are doubling down on the GOP’s anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, introducing more than three hundred anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide – and it’s only February. Mara S. Campo, BD Wong, Ron Insana, and George M. Johnson discuss their impact on our Friday night panel.”
“Prince George’s City Councilwoman, Krystal Oriadha, is lifting up other Black authors whose voices have been silenced.”
“Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group has announced a seven-figure, two-book deal with authors George M. Johnson and Leah Johnson, with their first book scheduled for release in 2025.”
Library Board Votes to Keep LGBTQ+ Books After Queer Author’s Mom Speaks
“A New Jersey library board held a meeting earlier this month to discuss banning certain books, including queer Black author George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue, but an outpouring of support brought on by an appearance of their mother and aunts resulted in a surprising result: a unanimous vote to keep the books on shelves.”
George M. Johnson: America Banned My Book, But I Refuse To Stay Silent
“Unbothered continues its look at the tangled history of Black culture and identity with ROOTS (Un)Banned, a series of stories on book banning for Black History Month.”
My Grandmother Taught Me Self-Liberation. Now I’m Ready To Pay It Forward.
“Nanny was the motivation for my second book, “We Are Not Broken.” This is how she inspired me to empower other Black queer people.”
‘Chicago Today’ Starts a Book Club for 2023, Reveals First Book
“NBC Chicago Banned Book Club: ‘Chicago Today’ Starts a Book Club for 2023, Reveals First Book.”
In today’s episode, they tell NPR’s Leila Fadel that despite all the pushback the book has received, it’s been overwhelmingly gratifying to see how much it’s helped teachers, librarians, parents…and especially the students themselves.
All Boys Are Smiling Ft. George M. Johnson
“New York Times best-selling author George M. Johnson talks about how their book All Boys Aren’t Blue has helped them with their inner child. Also, how it feels being in a position to afford your healing, & that new teeth feeling.”
“Author George M. Johnson: We must ensure access to those who need these stories most.”
“2022’s most influential Black Americans.”
Here Are All the Tributes Given at the TIME100 Next Gala 2022
“Lily Collins, George M. Johnson, and Joel Kim Booster at the TIME100 Next Gala in New York City on Oct. 25, 2022.”
“I have more books to write and more stories to dismantle this system. And I’ll be damned if anyone denies my right to write them.”
Find out how GMJ is shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership
2022 TIME100 Next Honoree
The author speaks out as his book becomes one of the most banned in the US
GMJ’s memoir may be on the top banned book list in the country, but that isn’t stopping it from changing lives. Host Tamron Halls delves deep into GMJ’s journey with All Boys Aren’t Blue.
The author speaks out as his book becomes one of the most banned in the US
The author speaks out amid a surge in efforts to ban books in schools and libraries.
Host Brittany Packnett Cunningham talks to author George M. Johnson about the new wave of book banning, who’s really behind it, and the lifelong damage it does– to students, and to all of us.
Charges contributed to the removal of George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto—an essay collection about growing up Black and queer, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2020—from school libraries in at least eight states, making it the third most challenged book in 2021.
The power and intimacy of George M. Johnson is that they are both ferocious and delicate. all at once.
Pride Logo30 Honoree @iamgmjohnson
Black nonbinary author @IamGMJohnson always knew that their bestselling book, “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” would be banned; they wrote it anyway. Their voice will not be censored. #Logo30
The Silencing of Black & Queer Voices: GMJ on 15-State Ban of ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE.
School districts and Republican-controlled state legislatures are rapidly intensifying efforts to ban certain books about race, colonialism, sex, and gender identity from public classrooms and libraries.
Challenges to books about sexual and racial identity are nothing new in American schools, but the tactics and politicization are.
GLAAD today announced the nominees in 30 categories for its 33rd Annual Media Awards. The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.
George M. Johnson, the author of 2020’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto,” which has been removed from school libraries in at least eight states.
There are novels about Black boys finding joy, nervy thrillers, fantasies filled with magic, angsty romances, and much, much more…
George M. Johnson Promotes New Book by Recreating Iconic, Black Album Covers
Since George M. Johnson’s second book We Are Not Broken released on September 7, Johnson started sharing images of them recreating glamorous covers of some iconic, Black album covers.
‘All Boys Aren’t Blue,’ ‘Unapologetic’: The 4 best LGBTQ films we watched at Outfest Fusion 2021
Are you craving bracing, thought-proving LGBTQ cinema? Look no further than the movies featured at this year’s 18th annual Outfest Fusion Film Festival, which celebrates QTBIPOC (queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).
George M. Johnson Sets Filmed Reading of ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’
The book, which was optioned by Gabrielle Union and her Sony-based production company, was named as one of last year’s best by Kirkus, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Gabrielle Union Options ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ Memoir For Series Development With Sony TV
EXCLUSIVE: Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions has optioned television rights to George M. Johnson’s bestselling memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue to develop as a series with Sony Pictures TV, where I’ll Have Another is under a first-look deal.
PEOPLE MAGAZINE ONLINE. MAY 27. 2020
The 20 Best Books to Read This Summer.
Johnson grew up in a loving middle-class home in New Jersey but knew from age 5 that he was “different.” This is his moving “memoir-manifesto” about being black and queer in America. (April) YOUNG ADULT.
NPR. MAY 2, 2020
‘Give Them The Damn Information’: Questions For George M. Johnson
Journalist and activist George M. Johnson’s new memoir is an unvarnished look at growing up black and queer in New Jersey and later Virginia. Johnson draws readers into his own experiences with clear, confiding essays — from childhood encounters with bullies to sexual experiences good and bad, to finding unexpected brotherhood in a college fraternity, all of it grounded in the love and support of his family.
HUFF POST. APRIL 28, 2020
George M. Johnson’s New Memoir Reminds Us That ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’
The journalist digs deep into the past in this touching debut book on sexuality, gender identity, and the power of family.
MSNBC POLITICS NATION. JUNE 8, 2019
Queer persons of color contributed to Stonewall Riots.
Critics have pointed out that the contributions to the events of Stonewall by black and brown queer people have been essentially white-washed and voided. Author and columnist, George M. Johnson joins Rev. Al Sharpton to talk about his piece, “My Stonewall is Black.”
CBC NEWS NETWORK. MAY 19, 2019
Kevin Hart Interview With Ellen Sparks Backlash
Michael Serapio speaks with journalist and activist George Johnson
THE GRAPEVINE. MARCH 8, 2019
Jussie Smollett is now the center of an investigation by the Chicago Police Department for allegedly filing false reports of a hate crime. Last month, Jussie called himself the gay Tupac after claiming he fought back while being attacked by two masked #maga fanatics who poured bleach on him, placed a noose around his neck, and hurled racist, homophobic slurs. Chicago police department claims that Jussie orchestrated this attack in hopes of garnering attention and financial gain.
VICE. JANUARY 25, 2019
Black Conservatives Debate Black Liberals on Trump, Obama, and American Politics
Black conservatives and liberals hash it out in the VICE Office. Who voted for Donald Trump? Who voted for Barack Obama? What’s it like seeing a black person wearing a MAGA hat? Has the black vote been taken for granted? Watch the Minority Reports episode on Young Black Conservatives to learn more about the rise of the black conservative movement