Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Stevens
Julia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey in 2020, initially participating in various social justice movements. My involvement took a significant turn when I started organizing my community in response to the tragic death of my cousin, Mariah Wilson. Mariah’s passing highlighted critical issues of housing injustice and inequity, prompting me to shift from protesting to a more proactive role in supporting my community. I started working with different community service providers, which deepened my understanding of intersectional struggles and allowed me to develop my skills in communication and advocacy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has indeed been challenging. One major struggle was navigating the complexities of intersecting social issues while understanding my role within them. The problems we faced—ranging from housing injustice to broader systemic inequities—were overwhelming and personally significant, affecting both my family and me long before Mariah’s death. Balancing the immediate needs of the community with my family’s and my own personal needs was difficult. Managing burnout and the emotional toll of the work, particularly due to my connection to Mariah’s story, was a significant challenge.
Despite these obstacles, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has strengthened my resolve and honed my skills in advocacy and communication. Each challenge comes with lessons and only reinforces my commitment to driving positive change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats in my professional life, each one contributing to my passion for advocacy and representation. As a content creator, I focus on challenging traditional beauty standards and creating inclusive, empowering content that resonates with diverse audiences. My work often centers around promoting body liberation and embracing individuality, which has given me a space to shine light on the beauty of Black, Fat, Queer joy
In addition to this, I work for FLAMER, a queer-owned cannabis brand based in NYC. This role allows me to blend my advocacy for social justice with my interest in the cannabis industry, by contributing to a brand that aligns with my values of inclusivity and community support.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Before anything else, I am a Mom. I have a daughter who is the center of my entire world, she is my motivation and inspiration for all the work I do
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunnyglazednug
- Other: https://www.heyflamer.com/
