In 'I Can't Date Jesus', Michael Arceneaux unflinchingly explores the complexities of life as a gay black man in contemporary America. Through a mix of sharp humor and candid storytelling, he delves into themes of love, faith, and acceptance, often contrasting societal expectations with personal truths. Each essay unveils the struggles he faces in navigating relationships while grappling with his identity and mental health. Arceneaux's wit and vulnerability invite readers to join him on a journey of self-discovery that is both poignant and hilarious. This memoir is not just a reflection on love; it's a call to embrace authenticity and find joy in life’s contradictions.
By Michael Arceneaux
Published: 2018
""Dating is hard enough, but dating while Black, queer, and trying to stay true to one's self is a whole other level of complexity that often feels like a balancing act on a tightrope.""
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Featured as One of Summer’s most anticipated reads by the Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Vulture, Entertainment Weekly, ELLE, Buzzfeed, and Bitch Media. From the author of I Don’t Want to Die Poor and in the style of New York Times bestsellers You Can’t Touch My Hair, Bad Feminist, and I'm Judging You, a timely collection of alternately hysterical and soul‑searching essays about what it is like to grow up as a creative, sensitive black man in a world that constantly tries to deride and diminish your humanity. It hasn’t been easy being Michael Arceneaux. Equality for LGBTQ people has come a long way and all, but voices of persons of color within the community are still often silenced, and being Black in America is…well, have you watched the news? With the characteristic wit and candor that have made him one of today’s boldest writers on social issues, I Can’t Date Jesus is Michael Arceneaux’s impassioned, forthright, and refreshing look at minority life in today’s America. Leaving no bigoted or ignorant stone unturned, he describes his journey in learning to embrace his identity when the world told him to do the opposite. He eloquently writes about coming out to his mother; growing up in Houston, Texas; being approached for the priesthood; his obstacles in embracing intimacy that occasionally led to unfortunate fights with fire ants and maybe fleas; and the persistent challenges of young people who feel marginalized and denied the chance to pursue their dreams. Perfect for fans of David Sedaris, Samantha Irby, and Phoebe Robinson, I Can’t Date Jesus tells us—without apologies—what it’s like to be outspoken and brave in a divisive world.
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“"Dating is hard enough, but dating while Black, queer, and trying to stay true to one's self is a whole other level of complexity that often feels like a balancing act on a tightrope."”
I Can't Date Jesus
By Michael Arceneaux
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Michael Arceneaux is a renowned author and essayist known for his poignant explorations of identity, culture, and personal narrative. He is the author of several notable works, including "I Don't Want to Die Poor," which offers a candid reflection on the intersecting themes of debt, race, and the pursuit of happiness. His writing style is characterized by its sharp wit, honesty, and a unique blend of humor and vulnerability that resonates with a diverse audience. Arceneaux's work often addresses the complexities of modern life, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
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