We recently connected with Julia Stevens and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In the summer of 2022 I was in a house fire that left me severely burned. Prior to this accident, I had made it my mission to unlearn the internalized fatphobia and racism I’d developed as a result of existing in a society that places value on a person based on the body they exist in. As a direct result of this accident, I had to confront these feelings again as the wounds and scarring from my injuries in the house fire made me feel like I no longer had worth, I worried others would be repulsed by me and I’d likely end up isolating myself out of fear of my physical body being rejected. I confided in my therapist who suggested I take baby steps in doing things I had done before the fire that made me feel good inside my body. I’d always found pleasure in creating content that made me feel sexy and empowered, so when Dj lil Gabby suggested I host an event it seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a Burlesque collective that centered marginalized bodies of all kinds. This project has been the most meaningful thing I’ve done as it’s given me a space to heal in every capacity, using Burlesque as a way for myself and others to participate in radical joy and use their self expression as a tool to defy the systems of oppression that harm us.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Buffalo based event host and multidisciplinary artist. I create content and have experience organizing around various social justice issues that directly affect my community. Topsy Curvy and the organizing work my family and I did for my cousin, Mariah Wilson are really the things I am the most proud of. When Mariah was murdered, I learned the value of taking up space and leaning on my community for support. I learned the absolute value and need for safe spaces to practice grief and radical joy.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My personal mission is to foster inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and respect all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities and bodies. Topsy Curvy really does this by centering BIPOC and queer artists because historically, we have faced systemic barriers and discrimination within all kinds of spaces. Centering us is a step toward rectifying these injustices and creating more equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist by Sesali Bowen really helped me see my experiences for what they were. She used feminist theory in a way that made sense to my lived experience and also gave me tools to connect with others without fear. She rejects respectability politics in a way that’s unapologetic and beautiful. Her insight truly impacted my thinking and how I create space for others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunnyglazednug/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/topsycurvy716/

Image Credits
Eula Banks