Get To Know the Alluring Co-Author of Passing as "Straight"... Amanda Ri'Chard
It's with great pleasure that I introduce you to co-author #5 -- the ahhmazing Amanda! I definitely wanted to work with Amanda after learning that she's located in my hometown - the DMV and had a desire to live her life out loud and unapologetically.
I felt drawn to Amanda's story because much like myself she had to come to the realization that she's not loved by God any less than her hetero counterpart. Once you can make peace with that part of your life and understand that you are ultimately responsible for your salvation, you are better able to take steps toward the direction leading to your truth. Get to know Amanda by following her via her social media accounts, become intrigued with her story and look out for her chapter in our soon to be released book -- Passing As Straight.
Here's a little taste of what Amanda and I talked about during our interview below.
Kinyatta: It’s such a pleasure to interview you for my blog! Tell my readers your name and a little bit about your self.
Amanda: Hey!! Thank you for interviewing me. My name is Amanda Ri’Chard and I’m a 31-year-old mother of one. I’m originally from Michigan and have been in the DC area for the last seven years. I work in the public health and emergency management field and absolutely love it.
Kinyatta: What made you decide that now is the time to tell your story in the book “Passing As Straight”?
Amanda: When I saw this opportunity I thought, oh how perfect! I have a desire to become an author of children's books and felt this would be a great opportunity to see what the process would be like. Being a co-author on a topic so powerful and true to my life is a great start and could be very impactful to people dealing with the same struggles as I do. I came out as bisexual last fall to my close (very catholic)family members and friends after being tired of hiding my truth for years. I am eager to share my story and hope to encourage others to do the same.
Kinyatta: What is the hardest thing that people “passing as straight” have to deal with in life?
Amanda: The hardest thing that people “passing as straight” have to deal with is feeling trapped in a lifestyle that is not what they ultimately want. We sometimes live in fear of being judged, so we ignore our truths and continue to live according to societal norms instead of being strong enough to live our life the way we want.
Kinyatta: What advice do you have to offer to someone passing as straight who wants to live their life openly because they are tired of hiding /concealing their life and love of their life?
Amanda: Live for yourself! You may feel scared or nervous by how others will react to your truth, but know there are resources and support groups that will be there for you. If you’re religious like I am, know that God does not make mistakes. He knew what he was doing when he made every last one of us. You are not a mistake. You’re amazing and loved.
Kinyatta: This has really been an eye open opening conversation. I appreciate you for taking the time to share parts of your life with me and for being so transparent. If my readers are inspired by your story, what are your social media handles so that they can keep up with you?
Amanda: Thank you so much for this opportunity. I really hope my story inspires others. My Instagram is @AmandaRRichard and Twitter is @AmandaRRiChard.
Amanda invites you to follow her as well as send her private messages!
I hope that you have enjoyed meeting the 5 co-authors that were selected out of 30 applicants. Their stories are real, they are true advocates for walking in your truth, there's a little piece of them in every one of us, and they are beautiful, courageous and strong women. Passing As Straight is scheduled for release in
March 2020.
