Marsha P. Johnson, born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and a prominent activist for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Known for her bold personality, Johnson was a Black trans woman who played a pivotal role in the early days of the LGBTQ+ rights struggle, particularly during the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which are widely considered to mark the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Johnson, along with her close friend Sylvia Rivera, co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) in the early 1970s, an organization focused on providing support for homeless transgender youth and advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Johnson was a passionate advocate for social justice, using her platform to fight against police brutality, homelessness, and discrimination. Despite facing significant personal challenges as a Black trans woman in a society that was hostile to both her race and gender identity, she became an enduring symbol of resistance, activism, and resilience. Tragically, Johnson’s life was cut short when she was found dead in the Hudson River in 1992 under mysterious circumstances, though her death was ruled a suicide by police. However, many in the LGBTQ+ community believe that her death was a result of foul play, and her legacy continues to inspire activists in the fight for trans rights, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ equality. Marsha P. Johnson remains a beloved and foundational figure in the ongoing struggle for visibility, rights, and respect for all people, regardless of their gender or sexual identity.
