Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Cantorna-Wylde.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an author, speaker, and community healer supporting LGBTQ+ people through their coming out process and educating others on the importance of full inclusion.
I grew up inside the institution of the evangelical ministry, Focus on the Family, and when I came out as gay in 2012, I lost everything and was disowned by almost everyone I knew. This propelled me into full-time advocacy work where I am now passionate about dissolving shame, fostering self-acceptance, and generating messages of hope for LGBTQ+ people and their families, especially those from conservative faith backgrounds.
Being a gay female and living with an invisible disability makes me passionate about fighting for the equality, equity, and dignity of all people. I believe that each of us deserves to live and love proudly and without shame and use my voice to advocate for the marginalized whenever and wherever possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an author or creative of any kind does not come without challenges. Most of us do what we do because we are passionate about making a difference in the world, but making ends meet financially in a world that focuses on capitalism and does not elevate or value the arts makes it hard for our work to be sustainable.
It’s a constant balance of fighting for our worth and being seen for the gifts we bring to the world while managing a career that moves from paycheck to paycheck. Creative work is what builds community and makes us come alive and I encourage everyone to invest in the continuation of it in whatever way feeds their soul the most.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In just a few weeks, on October 23rd, my third book, “Out of Focus: My Story of Sexuality, Shame, and Toxic Evangelicalism” will be released and be available wherever books are sold. A launch event will be held in Colorado Springs on Sat, Nov. 4th at 7 pm and tickets can be purchased by visiting: OutofFocusBookLaunch.Eventbrite.com.
We will open the evening with a moment of silence to honor the victims and survivors of the Club Q shooting, followed by a special guest performance by Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus, a moderated conversation led by Kathy Escobar, and a Q&A and book signing. I would love to see you there!
I am also the founder and host of the Unashamed Love Collective ~ a beautiful and inclusive membership-based online community for LGBTQ+ people and allies. You can learn more at: UnashamedLoveCollective.com.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
If you are questioning your sexuality or gender identity, be gentle with yourself. Love who you are and prioritize your self-care.
There are loads of us cheering you on but there is no rush for you to come out. You’ll know when you are ready. Find your people…the people who will love and celebrate all of you. You are worth fighting for.
Pricing:
- $15.00 tickets to the Out of Focus Book Launch Event (in advance)
- $18.00 tickets to the Out of Focus Book Launch Event (at the door)
Contact Info:
- Website: AmberCantornaWylde.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmberCantornaWylde/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberCantornaWylde/
- Other: Book Launch Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-of-focus-book-launch-tickets-665604168987?aff=oddtdtcreator
Image Credits
KreativEdge Photography
