This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm Ayesha Mill, sitting in for Jason Johnson.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and this year many who celebrate feel under siege.

The political attacks and hostility directed at us in the queer community

have millions of Americans living in fear, but offer George M. Johnson says

that it's more important than ever to share our joy and our stories.

Librarians are getting threatened. Teachers are getting threatened.

It's not just some argument of ideology anymore. It really is a safety issue.

All boys aren't blue-rider, George M. Johnson coming up on a word.

Stay with us.

Welcome to a word, a podcast about race and politics and everything else.

I'm Ayesha Mill, sitting in for Jason Johnson.

LGBTQ Pride this year comes at a difficult time for the community.

Trends and non-binary people in particular have been targeted by conservative politicians

in dozens of states with new laws restricting everything from drag performances to classroom discussions.

One place this anti-trans campaign has been felt most keenly is in school libraries

where books by queer authors have been yanked from shelves in record numbers.

And one of the top titles that's drawn fire is All Boys aren't Blue.

The memoir is a gripping coming of age story from writer George M. Johnson

with Frank and sometimes heartbreaking moments about growing up black and queer.

The controversy and George M. Johnson's willingness to speak about it

has put him at the center of our ongoing national discussion about race and identity

and has made All Boys aren't Blue into a bestseller.

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