from the Foreword by Dr Gretna Wilkinson, PhD, founder of The Raven’s Perch

Jay Delise’s tenderhead. is not for the faint of heart. In fact, to get through it without surrendering to anger or judgment (because this is not your story. Maybe it is…), you must continually suspend your beliefs or disbeliefs. Truth is, the opening poem, “I Should Probably Come Out To My Mother” serves as a clear warning that you are in for truth, and nothing but the truth.

tenderhead. (2020) AUDIO

tenderhead. is just that: tender. A full spectrum of emotion presented with all the love and care it deserves but so seldom receives. This book blends pain, love, joy, and rage almost seamlessly with a wicked sense of humour that cushions each blow as it comes. It reaches back and forward to depict queer Black girls as current and timeless and utterly sublime as the night sky.
When you read tenderhead., you won’t immediately notice that you’ve swallowed a mouthful of bees. If you have a bellyful of flowers you will walk away in full bloom, knowing that you – queer Black girl – are the whole world. If you don’t, you will leave stung and swollen and deeply uncomfortable. Both may happen. Both are important.”

Maz Hedgehog (Vivat Regina)