Synopses & Reviews
In Janae Johnson's debut poetry collection, the concept of being tenderheaded is less about Black hair; more how we are taught to disguise pain through suppression of macro and micro traumas. What began as a book of poetry about women's basketball transformed into a coming-of-age story centering Black queer masculinity, emotional restoration and belonging. From lyrically experimental to personified prose, each poem encourages humor to rise after an eight hour hair appointment and the ultimate decision to wear a ponytail.
Synopsis
Janae Johnson's debut poetry collection explores the notion of being tenderheaded, going beyond Black hair to explore the ways we mask pain.
Originally inspired by women's basketball, the book evolves into a poignant coming-of-age narrative centered around Black queer masculinity, emotional healing, and the quest for belonging.
Combining lyrical experiments and personified prose, each poem embraces humor, celebrating moments like an eight-hour hair appointment and the empowering choice to don a ponytail.
Lessons On Being Tenderheaded shows the reader how we suppress both major and minor traumas.
About the Author
Janae Johnson is an award-winning poet, performer and educator. Her writing celebrates and centers Black queer masculinity, kinship and belonging. She is a former National Poetry Slam Champion, Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion and a founder of two nationally recognized poetry venues: The Root Slam (Oakland, CA) and The House Slam (Boston, MA). Janae's full-length poetry collection Lessons on Being Tenderheaded is forthcoming in Spring 2022 by Write Bloody Publishing. Janae currently resides in Tacoma, WA.
IG: saysheaintfresh
Website: janaejohnson.com