ATLANTA — Atlanta native Charles Stephens’ (B.A. '05) passion for shifting harmful narratives surrounding the LGBTQ community was initially sparked while a student at Georgia State.
Stephens, who is a first-generation college student, remembers hearing the news of a student at another institution being attacked in the shower by a classmate who perceived the victim was staring at him.
“Around the city of Atlanta, student organizations started hosting these events to start talking about issues surrounding homophobia, racism and violence,” Stephens said. “I reached out to my friends at Georgia State and we decided to do something on the campus.”
What started as a school forum called the Blackout quickly grew into a campus club where Stephens worked to coordinate events, secure funds from the university and write charters for the organization.
Stephens said the experience at Georgia State helped him develop a passion for advocacy work.
“As a student, I was learning and having these experiences that would guide me throughout my life,” Stephens said. “Being involved in student leadership, it gave me great practice for what I use in my professional life.”
Years after graduating Georgia State with a bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies in 2005, Stephens founded the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) with the goal of shifting narratives about Black gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men to change policy and improve lives.
CNP, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2014 and attempts to shift harmful narratives for Black male LGBTQ members by creating original content, working with media professionals on how to report on Black LGBTQ individuals more responsibly, and training community members and activists on storytelling techniques.
“In many ways, I think the narrative you have about yourself shapes your reality. When I think about shifting narratives, I think it’s lifesaving,” Stephens said.
Stephens’ organization also has a digital publication, The Reckoning, which focuses on unique stories about the Black LGBTQ community.
Stephens works full time for CNP and said he’s thankful he's able to impact so many people through his organization.
Stephens has also been an independent consultant to national social impact organizations.
He serves on the advisory board for Actor’s Express, the Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and the Morehouse School of Medicine HIV Health Equity Task Force. He’s also been recognized as one of Out Georgia’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Georgians.
“I believe if there’s something in the world you would like to see and it doesn’t exist, don’t be afraid to create it and step out on faith. That’s been the great lesson of my life,” Stephens said.
— Photo by Raven Schley