A Film by the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project
Aaron Johnson’s powerful short film "Dark and Tender" follows ten Black men on a transformative retreat with the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project outside Seattle, WA. The men seek to reclaim platonic intimacy and tenderness through close encounters with nature and depictions of gentle Black masculinity, restoring the vital aspect of touch by replacing violence and rough play with care, connection, and intimacy.
Aaron Johnson
Director, Dark and Tender and Creator, The CUT Project
Aaron Johnson is a public speaker, facilitator, and touch activist who practices closeness as a way to break down barriers between people. As co-founder of both Holistic Resistance and Grief to Action, Aaron takes the time to hold the stories of black people around homophobia, transphobia, internalized racism, and those that are Chronically UnderTouched. Aaron has created the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project — basic strategies to bring a Black body from being Chronically UnderTouched to a state of touch balance — as part of the lifelong journey of interrupting oppressive systems that make touch balance a radical action.
For press inquiries contact ryan@smarthousecreative.com.
Podcasts & Appearances
TEDx UCIrvine, “Chronically Under Touched — Why I Waited 12 Months for A Hug”
2Lives with NPR’s Laurel Morales
Three Black Men with Resmaa Menakem, Bayo Akomolafe & Orland Bishop, Song Leader
Healing Touch for Black Men Changing the Conversation with Ashley Stewart
BIPOC Sexuality, Tenderness, + the Impact of being Chronically Under Touched Sex Love Psychedelics
Dismantling Racism — Through Touch The New Story Is with Dave Ursillo
Why the Historic Black Male Persona’s Impact on Vulnerability in the Workplace Matters Corporate for the Culture
Touch and Connection as Tools for Healing and Better Mental Health Better with Dr. Ericka
Keynote Appearances
IYANUS National Yoga Equity Training
Northwest Permaculture Convergence
Firefly Gathering