Cheralyn & Stacey Stevenson at IUPUI

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. Doors 5:30 p.m.

Madam Walker Legacy Center Ballroom

Free and open to the public

Are you available to help out? Then signup to volunteer.

"One day, we will have to explain to [our children] why their mama was called the N-word in their pre-K school parking lot," Cheralyn and Stacey Stevenson told the .

As two self-described African-American lesbians, racism is not new to Cheralyn and Stacey Stevenson. In fact, the couple experienced racism long before they ever experienced homophobia.

From an early age, they were told their Black features were “unattractive” or that they were “not as intelligent” as white people. And once they came out as gay, they were subsequently rejected by family members and heterosexist society.

But the Stevensons never let biogtry stop them, especially when it came to forming their own family in the deeply conservative state of Texas.

The pair wed in Canada in 2007, long before the U.S. recognized same-sex unions. Knowing they wanted children, they tried fertility treatments, but that didn’t work. The Stevensons then turned to adoption, but the local adoption agency told them that women giving up their babies weren’t looking for a same-sex couple to adopt those children. They were told, Stacey said, that “People wouldn’t pick us.”

But the Stevensons knew that was just the agency’s way of trying to cover up its bigotry. So they found a referral to an out-of-state agency that promptly placed twin boys with them.

The U.S. has subsequently recognized same-sex unions, but marriage rights did not cure homophobia and racism for these lesbian parents. The family has since moved from the hostile climate in their native Texas to Washington, D.C.

"We have to protect our kids because they are the advocates of the future," Stacey said.

Currently, Stacey serves as CEO of Family Equality, a non-profit advocacy organization advocating for LGBTQ+ parents. As for why she does the work, Stacey says, “I want to create systemic change for LGBTQ+ families."

Join us in person Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center Ballroom.

Brought to you by the IUPUI Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with support from the Office of the Chancellor and the Black Philanthropy Circle

Indiana Avenue is under construction due to the Cultural Trail expansion. It shouldn't cause too many headaches, just know that the street is now down to one lane each way and we may have to redirect the path to the entrance if the sidewalk is currently under construction.

Free parking available in the lots west of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, marked in the map below as lots A - D. Accessible parking available in lot A. Lot 92 is available for overflow parking.

Enter the building using the door at 617 Indiana Ave. It's the one with the Walker Building overhang and 617 above it, facing Indiana Ave. This is NOT the main marquee entrance with the ticket booth.

Take the elevator to BR, once you're inside the 617 door. That BR stands for ballroom, which is where we'll be.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Masks are currently not required. Wear one if you like, but know other people sitting near you may not be masked. And of course, the no-mask policy is subject to the whims of COVID-19 and could change at anytime.

Free food will be available as individually packaged snacks and drinks, including options for a myriad of diets.

Arrive early. Your BFF's coat can only save so many seats. Limited general-admission seating available. First come first served. No reserve seating.

If you have a disability, no worries — we got you. The Madam Walker Legacy Center has accessible entries, seating and restrooms. Sign language interpreters available. Email [email protected] if you need additional accommodations.

Tickets are NOT required for entry, but we appreciate your free registration so as to properly plan and send you pertinent emails.

Host or Publisher IUPUI Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion