Reclaiming Narratives: Ty Robbins on Black Lesbian Romance in "The Color of Honey"

An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color

Reclaiming Narratives: Ty Robbins on Black Lesbian Romance in "The Color of Honey"

Episode 162

In this episode of "Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation,” creator & host Deneen L. Garrett, returns to the podcasting space after a brief hiatus, inspired by the guest, Ty Robbins. Ty, a proud member of the LGBTQIA community for 28 years, joins to discuss her book, "The Color of Honey." The conversation highlights the origins of the podcast, which started as a panel for LGBTQ+ women of color and allies, and aligns perfectly with October's LGBTQ+ History Month. Tune in as Ty shares her journey, insights, and the importance of representation within the community.

This episode covers:

[00:01:53] LGBTQIA community representation.

[00:06:09-00:06:30] Black lesbian romance stories.

[00:27:58] Beautiful Tales of Black Lesbian Romance.

[00:34:04] The Color of Honey.

Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams?

Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innovative, Executioner (P.I.E.) who elevates the voices of women of color and empowers them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking and coaching.

Deneen is a Women’s Motivational Speaker, the Creator & Host of the Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (formerly An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) Podcast, which she launched in 2020 and a Dream Lifestyle Coach.

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Reclaiming Narratives: Ty Robbins on Black Lesbian Romance in "The Color of Honey"

In a recent episode of the podcast "Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation," host Deneen welcomed Ty Robbins, a native New Yorker and author of "The Color of Honey." This book is a collection of captivating stories that delve into the world of Black lesbian romance, a genre that Ty felt was underrepresented in literature.

The Inspiration Behind the Book

Ty shared her journey of writing "The Color of Honey," which stemmed from her frustration at the lack of stories featuring Black lesbians. Despite being an avid reader of lesbian literature, she found it challenging to find narratives that resonated with her experiences. Many existing stories either depicted Black lesbians in a light she didn't appreciate or were primarily focused on erotica. This realization prompted her to take action: if she couldn't find the stories she wanted to read, she would write them herself.

A Diverse Audience

When asked about the target audience for her book, Ty emphasized that the stories are for everyone. The emotions and experiences depicted in the book—love, desire, fear, and the courage to connect with others—are universal. Ty believes that anyone, regardless of their background, can relate to the feelings expressed in her stories. This inclusivity is a significant aspect of her work, as it aims to bridge gaps and foster understanding among different communities.

Personal Connections in the Stories

Throughout the conversation, Ty revealed that she sees pieces of herself in nearly every story within the book. Each narrative reflects different stages of her life and experiences, making the collection deeply personal. For instance, she mentioned that younger versions of herself can be found in stories like "Lucky Brick," while more mature reflections appear in "Lady de Jour," which focuses on older women.

Real-Life Inspirations

Ty's stories are rooted in real-life experiences, often drawing from her own life and the lives of those around her. She highlighted the importance of authenticity in her writing, aiming to create relatable scenarios that resonate with readers. For example, one story features characters who repeatedly bump into each other at social events, capturing the essence of how relationships can develop in familiar circles.

The Future of Ty's Writing

As the conversation wrapped up, Ty hinted at the possibility of a sequel to "The Color of Honey." While she is still contemplating the direction of the next book, she expressed excitement about exploring new stories and characters. Ty's passion for storytelling and her commitment to representing Black lesbian experiences in literature are evident, and readers can look forward to more from her in the future.

"The Color of Honey" is not just a collection of stories; it is a celebration of love, identity, and the rich tapestry of Black lesbian experiences. Ty Robbins' work invites readers to explore a world that is often overlooked, providing a platform for voices that deserve to be heard. As Ty continues her journey as an author, her stories will undoubtedly inspire and resonate with many, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA community.

Resources Mentioned

The Color of Honey: Tales of Black Lesbian Love in New York City https://a.co/d/7wLk4bb

Favorite Resources For Dreamers

Books I’m Reading

Additional Resources

Gems

• 00:02:50 - "I was raised by three really strong women, my mother, my grandmother, and my aunt."
• 00:06:30 - "So I decided if I can't find it, then I should write it."
• 00:12:02 - "The book is really supposed to let the reader feel like oh my goodness that happened to me and my wife you know or something like that when you're reading it."
• 00:26:41 - "The world is beautiful. And if you don't take those moments to just admire something really beautiful, I think you're doing yourself a disservice."

About Ty Robbins

Ty Robbins is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Spanish Harlem. She attended CUNY colleges and achieved her MBA in Business Management. Ty has been an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA community for 28 years.

The Color of Honey is her debut to the world, introducing her tantalizing stories of black lesbian romance to anyone who has ever wanted to take a risk in love and felt nervous, insecure or unprepared. Her stories demonstrate what could happen if you just take a chance and make that leap of faith.

Outside of writing, Ty Robbins is a lover of music, traveling, culinary arts, plants and all things colorful..

Website

https://www.amazon.com/author/tyrobbins-color-of-honey

IG

https://instagram.com/tyrobbins227

FB

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565387811434&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF5TWCY9

About the Podcast

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) is a podcast about women empowerment stories and for Women of Color who want more out of life. This show is for women who have had enough and want change, especially those who have been waiting to choose themselves and live boldly.

In each inspiring episode, hear from women from different backgrounds, countries, and ages who have embarked on personal journeys, sharing their stories of empowerment, overcoming, and their path to living a dream life (style).

How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™:

• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview - Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting
• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
• Dream Life: Living a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 - Decide
• In Charge: Dream Series - Drive Towards Your Dream Lifestyle

Deneen is committed to elevating the voices of WOC and empowering them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ NOW!

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What narratives are you reclaiming? We’d love to read your answers in comments.