Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Transgender Activist Who Sparked a Movement

When we talk about the LGBTQ+ rights movement, we often hear names like Harvey Milk or Stonewall. But too often, the names of Black transgender women and drag queens—the ones who were on the frontlines—are left out of the narrative.

One of those names? Marsha P. Johnson—a fearless Black trans activist, drag queen, and organizer who played a crucial role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Her story is one of resilience, activism, and unshakable joy, even in the face of injustice.

Who Was Marsha P. Johnson?

Born Malcolm Michaels Jr. in 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha moved to New York City in her late teens with just a bag of clothes and $15 to her name. She found community in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ population.

She quickly became a fixture in the queer and trans community, standing out with her extravagant outfits, flower crowns, and infectious smile. But her impact went far beyond fashion—Marsha P. Johnson was a revolutionary.

Stonewall and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights

On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. These types of raids were common, as being openly LGBTQ+ was criminalized at the time. But that night, the community fought back.

Marsha P. Johnson is often credited as one of the first to resist the police, throwing a shot glass at a mirror and yelling, “I got my civil rights!”—an act some call the "shot glass heard around the world."

This rebellion ignited days of protests and riots, marking the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Without Marsha and other Black and brown trans women, there would be no Pride as we know it today.

A Lifelong Advocate for the Marginalized

After Stonewall, Marsha didn’t stop fighting. Along with fellow activist Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), an organization that provided shelter and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and trans women of color—many of whom had been rejected by their families.

At a time when even the gay rights movement was pushing out trans voices, Marsha remained bold, unapologetic, and loud in advocating for the most marginalized members of the community.

Mysterious Death and Unfinished Justice

In 1992, Marsha’s body was found floating in the Hudson River. Police ruled it a suicide almost immediately, despite signs of a struggle and eyewitnesses saying she had been harassed near the river before her death.

For decades, her friends and activists demanded the case be reopened, convinced she was murdered. In 2012, police finally reclassified her cause of death as "undetermined," but no one has ever been charged.

Marsha’s Legacy Lives On

Today, Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy is stronger than ever. She is remembered as a fearless advocate for LGBTQ+ and Black liberation, someone who fought for a world where everyone—no matter their gender or race—could live freely.

Her name is now spoken with honor, with organizations, murals, and scholarships created in her memory. And every Pride Month, we march not just for celebration, but to continue the fight Marsha started.

Why Marsha P. Johnson Still Matters

Marsha’s story reminds us that the fight for justice is far from over. Black trans women still face violence at alarming rates, LGBTQ+ rights continue to be challenged, and the voices of the most marginalized are often silenced.

So when we celebrate Pride, Black history, or LGBTQ+ rights, let’s make sure we say her name—not just as a footnote, but as a foundational leader in the movement.

Thank you, Marsha P. Johnson, for your courage, your resilience, and your unwavering belief in freedom for all.

💬 Let’s Talk:

Did you know about Marsha P. Johnson before today? What other LGBTQ+ activists deserve more recognition? Drop their names in the comments!