In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson 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.

Introduction: Black. Queer. Here -- A different kid. Smile ; Identity ; "Honeychild" ; Fags play football, too ; "Honest Abe" lied to me ; You can't swim in cowboy boots -- Family. Dear little brother ; Nanny: the caregiver, the hustler, my best friend ; Daddy's second chance ; Losing hope ; Dear Mommy ; A lesson before dying -- Teenagers. Boys will be boys ; The prom kings we never were ; Setting myself free or setting myself up? -- Friends. Caught in a haze ; Losing my virginity twice ; Don't know why I didn't call -- Afterword: All boys aren't blue.