Name: Stephanie Johnson (aka Butta)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Age: Old enough to handle business
Profession: Graduate Student and Gallaudet University’s LGBTQA Resource Center Staff Assistant
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Deaf, yet awesome. Visually impaired, yet fabulous. Queer, yet something fierce.
I am a lover and passionate about people’s human rights. I’m also a fighter with a heart.
Your favorite hangout spots.
My girlfriend’s home, Barnes & Noble, and the original Phase 1.
Favorite guilty pleasure.
Disclaimer: I am against all forms of violence or anything that promotes violence, sexism, or abuse. However, my guilty pleasure is watching The Godfather.
Favorite quotes.
“Only you know what you need to do; not them, so get busy” – My grandmother
”… In order to be a true revolutionary, you must understand love. Love, sacrifice, and death.” – Sonia Sanchez
Who is your biggest influence? And why?
1) Sojourner Truth because her strength and resilience is astounding; 2) Survivors of sexual violence and overall survivors. They are the strongest people I know; 3) People who are in the process of unpacking and recognizing their privileges. To me, that is one of the MOST amazing, humbling and humane things that we as human beings can do. It makes a safer environment.
Favorite gig (past or present).
Valentino (a drag king) and I performed along with The DIVA for a DC Drag King show in 2011. We performed “Turn Off the Lights” by the World Wreckin’ Crew. It’s still my all time favorite gig.
Favorite lesbian celebrity.
Angela from the Original Phase 1, the DC Drag Kings and the DC Gurly Show performers.
What is the biggest misconception about the deaf community?
1) That we are helpless beings because our ears don’t serve any purpose for us; 2) Another misconception is that we are experts at reading lips; Better kissers…yes, but lip reading — not so much; 3) Hearing aids and blue tooth devices are not a substitute for hearing; 4) That we are okay with being left out and we really don’t know how to go out and have fun; and 5) We are incapable of higher education.
Whatever you’ve heard, it’s probably wrong. Come out and socialize with us and you’ll see how dumb the misconceptions are.
What’s next for Butta?
More activism and more community work to become a better social justice activist. I want to write another Deaf Lesbian Erotica, spend more time with my girl, enjoy being a good graduate student, perform for the DC Kings/Gurly Show, and go to the next Capital Queer Prom. Butta got things to do, places to go and all the time in the world to do that!
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
Deaf Queers should be one of the people you have in your life. You really don’t know what you are missing. So come out and mingle with us!
And if you need something spicy to read, read one of my books: “Watch Me…. Moan”. (It’s Googleable).
Photos by Thunderography
