Here To Stay: An Interview with Amber Sharp
By Susan A. Webley

I love women of color. We are the most resilient people on the planet. We bear the weight of an oft times cruel world on our shoulders like a champ, refusing to allow bad situations or any of the other crummy things that life can sometimes throw our way, keep us down. Instead, we use these circumstances to fuel our passion, to propel us ever forward towards our destiny, determined to come out triumphant on the other side. Yes, I love women of color, especially women like Amber Sharp.

I had the awesome opportunity of having an online interview with the creator of Don't Go about the series, her purpose and what this issue's theme means to her. Following is an account of our discussion.

In reading your bio, it seems that your early years were difficult. If you don't mind sharing, can you tell us a little about it?

My childhood consisted of a mother's alcohol and drug addictions and an absent father. As a junior in high school, I was abandoned by my mother and forced to obtain an apartment on my own. Determined to not to be a product of my childhood, I put myself through both undergraduate and graduate school. Even though my early years were difficult, I feel they helped shape my purpose.

What is your purpose?

I feel that my purpose is to help contribute to positive social change by being a filmmaker and creating images and giving voice to populations that are often ignored or silenced.

You also speak of "sharing your daydreams with the world". Why did you choose film as the gateway to do this as opposed to another art form?

I'm a very visual person and I would often daydream to escape my harsh realities. In high school I studied theater and acted until college. Once in college, I discovered my love for writing and that's when I knew for sure that I wanted to create films. I just feel there is something special in creating stories and developing characters and then placing those stories and characters on the big screen to share with others. It's scary but can be extremely rewarding.

Your thesis film, Triple Minority, touched on a theme that many lesbians of color who have been raised in religious households can relate to. Why did you choose to focus on that particular issue?

I was raised in Little Rock, Ark for the first ten years of my life, by mostly my grandmother. She was a religious woman so I was raised in the church; Southern Baptist. I noticed early on that within the church, anytime religion and homosexuality were talked about together it was never positive. I wanted to help create positive conversation surrounding religion and homosexuality, and to also provoke thought regarding how these two things separate families, friends, communities, etc.

Has your own spiritual walk been affected by this issue?

It has been. Before, I was very religious and active within the church, but because of religious beliefs, it took years for me to become comfortable with my sexuality. In the process of becoming comfortable I realized that I do not believe in organized religion and that I am more of a spiritual person.

Do you think that we will see a day when organized religion (or more specifically, the black church) will change its views on homosexuality?

I think so...I think it's going to take a lot of time and work. I don't feel it will happen overnight, but I think if people continue to do the work to create change in the black church, it will happen.

I believe that as well. Let's talk about Don't Go. What inspired you to create the series?

Truthfully, I wanted to create a series that I could relate with and that encompassed a diverse group of characters and story lines. I also did not want to wait around complaining hoping for someone else to create this type of show, so I did. In my opinion the gay shows that are currently out there have done a great job for paving the way, but I feel they lack diversity and truth.

What are some of the key topics that are addressed in the series?

The main theme that I wanted to focus on were the different types of family; biological family, gay family, the family that we create; so I played with how "family" effects them in their daily lives. Other topics include loss, love, relationships, friendships, cultural restraints, etc.

Why do you think shows like the L Word rarely write SGL of color characters, along with issues that are specific to us, into their storylines?

I think the L Word, like many other shows, try to accommodate to a mainstream audience and because folks of color aren't considered mainstream, those storylines aren't important to tell. The bottom line is that if people of color want to see themselves on the screen they have to support projects created for them.

Would you say that this lack of support is the reason why there are so few productions like Don't Go available to our community?

Yes. My experience with Don't Go has been that we have received a lot of support and encouragement; however, limited support has been from women of color.

You know Amber, I'm not surprised. It's unfortunate but that's how it is with our community across the board.

Yes! And it's so frustrating!

I read your blog regarding your 90 day goal to find a television home for the series. Do you think that our stories will ever be told on mainstream television?

Yes I do. Who would have thought that we would have a Noah's Arc or the DL Chronicles or the L Word? There is definitely a need for our stories to be told and I feel a market as well. We just need to step up and show that these stories are needed and wanted.

What's next for you?

I just finished writing a feature film called Milking Cows. I would like to start production early next year for it. I will continue to shop Don't Go until we are picked up by a network. I know that it's only a matter of time.

Our theme this issue is Living Your Best Life... what does that mean to Amber Sharp?

I like that theme! Living your best life is living the life that would bring you happiness, love, peace; all those things that are important to you, and in the process, you are fulfilling your purpose.

Thanks Amber! I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me!

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time and giving me the opportunity to be a part of Sable!

For information on Amber Sharp, visit her website at www.asharpproductions.com or www.dontgotheseries.com. You can also check her out on Myspace at www.myspace.com/amber