Short Synopsis: Stephanie's Story Directed by Yvonne Welbon Set in 1972 and based on a true story, STEPHANIE'S STORY is a Black lesbian coming of age story . Already 'out' and a budding butch player, Stephanie's world is shattered when she and her gal pals are expelled by the catholic high school nuns who see them as a bad influence. Incredibly, Stephanie's mother rallies the girls to join in a lawsuit against the school by taking the case to the Free Legal Clinic. The film brings to light little-known tales from the south-side of Chicago of personal and political discovery and activism, writing black women into the history of the Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement. Project Description The Black Panther Party. Post Stonewall and Woodstock. Free Love. Black Power. The 1970s. A time when many of us took fierce pride in being black. We all joined James Brown to "Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud." And some of us we were also proud to be gay. Stephanie's Story is a dramatic narrative film based on true stories of black women's involvement in Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement of the early 1970s. The film brings to light little-known tales from the south-side of Chicago of personal and political discovery and activism, writing black women into the history of the Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement. The film opens with a scene depicting Stephanie's budding sexual desire and lesbian exploration. As a teenager at a black all-girls Catholic high school, she has early morning rendezvous' at her girlfriend's house, cruises other Catholic school girls and is sometimes picked up by girls who think she's a boy. She receives her "Butch" training from her "brothers," a group of older black women who are members of "The Sons of Sappho." Her mother Nadine provides a supportive environment at home and even takes Stephanie to Sears to buy her first suit. Just a few blocks away Chicago's gay liberation movement is born on the campus of the University of Chicago with the help of black lesbian activist Vernita Gray. Her home phone (FBI-LIST) serves as the first gay and lesbian hotline in Chicago. Vernita establishes a number of support organizations and events for gays and lesbians. It is in these places that Stephanie and Vernita's paths cross. Stephanie's comfortable world is shattered when she and her gal pals are expelled by the catholic school nuns who see them as a bad influence in the school. Incredibly, Stephanie's mother rallies the girls to join in a lawsuit against the school by taking the case to the Free Legal Clinic at Depaul University Law School. Their activism allows the girls to be reinstated and the principal to be banished to Peoria, IL. Set to the slow groove of the funky sounds of the period, the film offers a nostalgic and surprising look at our recent history through the true stories of three black women who dared to fight for what they believed in, because they had to be true to themselves. In making Living With Pride:Ruth Ellis @ 100, I learned of many stories of black women's involvement in the gay and lesbian liberation movement that are virtually unknown to the general public. The incredible impact that Ruth's story has had on our community has shown me that if we don't record these stories that we are in danger of depriving ourselves of the treasures found within our own history. These stories provide an alternative history, one we are proud to embrace.