“Darling I want my gay rights now!”
- Marsha P. Johnson
About
Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) was a Black transgender activist, drag performer, and a key figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. A fearless advocate for marginalized communities, she played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
Photo courtesy of New York Historical
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha moved to New York City, where she became a beloved figure in the Greenwich Village queer community. Known for her vibrant personality, extravagant fashion, and unwavering generosity, she co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and, alongside Sylvia Rivera, established STAR House (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), an organization providing housing and support for homeless trans youth.
Marsha was a prominent activist during the early Pride marches and continued advocating for AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ rights through groups like ACT UP. She was also a celebrated figure in the drag and ballroom scene, performing with the Hot Peaches theater troupe. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, Marsha remained a beacon of joy and resilience. Her tragic and mysterious death in 1992 remains a source of activism and investigation, as her impact continues to inspire generations fighting for trans rights and equality.