As I Am

Like any other child, Darnell Williams is trying to find love and acceptance. After being molested by a family member and nearly beaten to death by his father for having feminine tendencies, Darnell learns to bury his conflicting feelings about love, sexuality, family and God. When his fears and desires come roaring to the surface, he has no choice but to answer the question once and for all: is he gay and worthy of love?

Now in high school and living with PTSD, Darnell searches for answers and befriends the town's high school basketball star. This friendship helps Darnell grow into someone he never knew he could become. However, nothing beautiful lasts forever, and Darnell finds himself spiraling back into confusion and pain. Can he overcome years of trauma, abuse and the need to be loved?

Casting a bold light on LGBTQ+ struggles and teen mental illness, As I Am, The Novel, is a deeply moving story about finding both love and the courage to be...