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.
