Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Allen.
Hi Tamara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
#JackieOfAllTrades
I am a Kentucky native, graduated from the University of Kentucky, and am currently enrolled in graduate school. Just transitioning out of a 15-year career in higher education – serving as a Director of Career Services and Workforce Development Program Director. I moved to Atlanta in 2016 when the school I worked for, ITT Technical Institute, collapsed, sending thousands of us into unemployment.
BACKGROUND
Raised in an Apostolic Pentecostal household, but now I’m an Agnostic Buddhist that loves church.
I will discuss more during the interview.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. Some of the struggles have been removing the fear of walking in my truth (sexuality) and retaining the support of people who have different world views. Trying to remain vague enough to appeal to all audiences. However, I had to break free of those societal constraints and share relatable stories that will help people within the African-American LGBTQ+ community thrive in life and love. When you grow up without images of people who look and love like you, there can be a disconnect on what are “healthy” relationships and interactions.
Sharing my experiences through fiction and personal storytelling, individuals and couples can see how someone like them has overcome childhood trauma, stigma, coming out, defying gender norms, and more.
This can be true for children as well. Although my first children’s book is focused on bedtime, the next two will surround the topics of being different – physically and societally – like “Larry and Val Have Two Moms” and “Valorie Was Made Special.” The goal is to teach children, of all ages and backgrounds, about diversity – from non-traditional households to special needs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
PUBLIC SPEAKER, Author, Certified Life & Career Coach, Business Consultant, Graphic & Web Designer, Social Media Strategist, and currently serving as a Board Member of Atlanta Black Pride, Inc. Releasing my first lesbian novella (Meeting Destiny) and children’s book (Larry and Val Look For Monsters). I have always functioned in the professional arena, but I am now journeying into being a voice, an advocate for the underrepresented, the disenfranchised.
#JackieOfAllTrades
I am most proud of finishing my first novella and being able to use it to launch my platform as a public speaker. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I am so many resources in one. It helps when you’re a new entrepreneur needing to access a ton of services that many have to contract out to others to perform.
What matters most to you? Why?
Helping people to become happy, healthy, and whole. I know what it’s like to be counted-out, discarded, mistreated, abused…broken. I know what’s like to fail at a relationship because I’ve never seen one like mine, growing up in a heteronormative household. Being an advocate and educator on these and related topics is important to me.
My company is Speaking Out! Media, LLC. Speaking out has always been what I represent. My mother use to call me her “Why Child” because I would always question things and speak out regarding something I was passionate about. Now, I have an opportunity to make it count.
Contact Info:
- Email: tamara.allen@tallenspeaks.com
- Website: www.tallenspeaks.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tallenspeaks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tallenspeaks
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/tallenspeaks
Image Credits
Some of the photos are credited to SharpEye Photography – Jonesboro – Tamarah Brooks, Photographer
