Get To Know the Intriguing Co-Author of Passing as "Straight"... Shyheta Johnson

I had a great time communicating with Shyheta about this blog feature. Shyheta is not someone I just met, I met Shyheta earlier this year when we were working on another book project. I decided to change course and publish my own book and Shyheta did complete the first book and has co-authored before. It wasn’t until now that I learned that Shyheta was keeping a major part of her life secret. And to be honest I’m not too sure if she knew I was married to my longtime companion Julie. Why something that important never came up is beyond me, but it’s interesting how we quash things in our lives when we don’t know how they will be perceived by people outside of our inner circle. The road has not been easy for Shyheta. What I respect about her is that she doesn’t let being hearing-impaired stop her! She’s a fierce advocate for the hearing-impaired and her “voice” is louder than most on Instagram. It was a pleasure to engage in this interview via email. Make sure to look out for her chapter in our soon to be released book Passing As Straight.

Kinyatta: It’s such a pleasure to interview you for my blog! Tell my readers your name and a little bit about your self.

Shyheta: I am Shyheta Johnson from the city of Philadelphia. I'm a 34-year-old mother of five children. I am also a Hearing-Impaired Activist. I am a fashion crochet designer and officially a total life changer (TLC representative) promoting a healthy lifestyle, specifically using CBD-infused products. I am on a mission to change many lives around the world.

Kinyatta: What made you decide that now is the time to tell your story in the book “Passing As Straight”?

Shyheta: I have decided to tell my story because I know it will help others to come out of the dark. Most people aren’t completely comfortable with revealing their true sexual orientation, therefore, they stay safely in the closet.

Kinyatta: What is the hardest thing that people “passing as straight” have to deal with in life?

Shyheta: I have been in the closet for quite some time now although the first woman I secretly dated caused me significant harm and I’ve still not fully recovered from the trauma experienced in that relationship.

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?

Shyheta: The hardest thing to deal with is living in denial because we worry about what people would think of us. It’s time to let loose and share our truth so that others can do the same and be happy and at peace.

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?

Shyheta: Thank you for taking the time to interview me. For those who want to follow me on Instagram my handle is: @ iamshyhetamonroe