<club-desc-paragraph>What does it mean to be Black in America? Or, more specifically, a Black gay boy in rural Ohio? Framed around Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “We Real Cool,” Brian Broome’s coming-of-age memoir explores the intersection of Black, queer, and traditionally “masculine” identities. Brian weaves his own experiences—heartbreaking and humorous, painful and poignant—with observations of a young Black boy and his father on a city bus. While Brian’s distinct voice shines on every page, his story speaks to a broader struggle: how to be oneself in a world that demands conformity. <club-desc-paragraph>
<club-desc-paragraph>Learn more about the author’s journey from shame to self-acceptance as he discusses addiction, recovery, representation, and the myths of Black masculinity. <club-desc-paragraph>
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<club-landing-h3>Background & Writing Process<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Brian talks about his early writing life, his experience in rehab, and how group therapy became a writing class for him. Later, he talks about his favorite place to write.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>Growing Up & Getting On<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Brian speaks candidly about the anxiety of growing up poor and shares an anecdote from his recovery. He also talks about the power of self-forgiveness and how that translates into his approach to character.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>Exploring Black Masculinity<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Brian talks about how “We Real Cool,” a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks, inspired the structure for Punch Me Up to the Gods. Later, he talks about the myths of Black masculinity and how they influence men’s emotional experiences.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>Shifting the Narrative<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Brian discusses how media depictions impacted his sense of self, including the lack of positive Black representation on TV and stereotypical depictions of Black queerness.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>Embracing the Self<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Brian tells the story of his first experience going to a gay bar. Later, he speaks openly about his relationship with cocaine and how shame and self-hatred fueled his addiction.<club-landing-paragraph>
