George M. Johnson Sets Filmed Reading of ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’

George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue — the critically acclaimed book described as a memoir manifesto — is coming to life as part of a filmed dramatic reading.

The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition powered by AHF in partnership with iN-Hale Entertainment and All Tea, No Shade Productions are teaming to present the production that will support National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day under the theme “Stigma Gotta Go.” It’s set for Feb. 8 (5 p.m. PT, 8 p.m. ET) and tickets are free.

The short, directed, adapted and produced by Nathan Hale Williams, centers on three chapters from the book as performed by Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish), Dyllón Burnside (Pose), Bernard David Jones (The Mayor) and Thomas Hobson (Sherman’s Showcase). The virtual festivities also include live performances, an art installation curated by Rodney LoveJones, music by Black and queer artists, and a roundtable discussion moderated by Tai Beauchamp.

Johnson, a New York-based non-binary author and activist, wrote All Boys Aren’t Blue using experiences from childhood, adolescence and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. It covers topics like as gender identity, masculinity, family, consent and Black joy. It struck a chord with readers and was selected as one of last year’s best tomes by Kirkus, Amazon and Goodreads. Gabrielle Union and her Sony-based I’ll Have Another optioned it for a potential TV series.