Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992) was a prominent African-American transgender activist, drag performer, and key figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Born Malcolm Michaels Jr. in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha moved to New York City after high school, where she adopted her new name and found a home within the city's vibrant drag and gay communities. The "P" in her name stood for "Pay It No Mind," which she used to deflect questions about her gender. Marsha became widely known and loved for her flamboyant style, infectious personality, and unwavering advocacy for marginalized groups.

Marsha P. Johnson played a crucial role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Her involvement in the riots, along with fellow activist Sylvia Rivera, helped galvanize the movement and led to the formation of the Gay Liberation Front. In 1970, Johnson and Rivera co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization dedicated to supporting homeless transgender youth and sex workers. Johnson's activism extended to the fight against the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, during which she became a prominent member of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), working tirelessly to raise awareness and demand action from the government.

Despite facing significant challenges, including homelessness and violence, Marsha's resilience and dedication to her community never wavered. She became a mother figure to many in the LGBTQ+ community, offering support and shelter to those in need. Her life and work have been celebrated in numerous documentaries, books, and art, highlighting her enduring impact on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.