MARSHA P. JOHNSON [1945 – 1992]

She/Her

“Marsha P. Johnson was an outspoken civil rights advocate, especially for the trans community, during the 1960s and into the 1990s. She became a pivotal icon of the Stonewall Riots as the co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front, one of the first popularized organizations to advocate for LGBTQ+ people in the United States, and co-founder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.) group (now know as S.T.A.R.R or Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform,) which specifically catered to the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Through these programs, Johnson worked tirelessly fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people of all races, advocating specifically on transgender issues, spreading awareness and caring for those with HIV and AIDS, and helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Even 30 years after her death, Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire others to stand up for themselves and take care of others in their community.” [Source]

Learn More:
Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform
OutHistory.org Bio
Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times Video