Marsha P. Johnson

Born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha P. Johnson was identified as male at birth. From a very young age, Marsha knew that she was different when she enjoyed wearing clothing made for girls. After High School, Marsha moved to New York City with $15 cash and a handful of clothes. Here she began dressing fully in women’s clothing and adopted the full name Marsha P. “Pay It No Mind” Johnson. She used her name as an explanation whenever questioned about her gender. As a part of the LGBTQ+ youth community, Marsha had trouble seeking acceptance in New York City because in the 50s and 60s, LGBTQ+ people’s rights were limited. During this time, cross-dressing was even illegal. The fastest way for Marsha to make money was through sex work. This was no simple feat, often spending alone time with clients, Johnson experienced physical abuse and she even got shot once. Spending most of her life without a permanent residence, Marsha depended on her friends. At 17-year-old Johnson met Sylia, an 11-year-old Puerto Rican trans woman who she quickly took under her wing. Marsha taught Sylvia how to apply makeup, take care of herself on the street, and stay out of trouble. They soon became close friends. Johnson relied heavily on fashion and clothing to express herself. Finding most of her eccentric clothes on the street, Marsha often wore an intricate crown made of fresh flowers. 

The trajectory of Marsha’s life changed forever when she found herself near Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, on June 28, 1969. While there are several different stories about Marsha in the Stonewall uprising, it is clear that she played a pivotal role in the event. Many transgender women were loud during the uprising because they felt as though they had nothing left to lose. They had no rights as human beings and they lived in fear every day. The Stonewall Inn uprising served as an awakening and catalyst for young members of the LGBTQ+ community. After that night, Marsha spent her time attending rallies and meetings for the Gay Liberation Front. Frustrations continued to swell when Marsha realized that white gay men and lesbians were dominating these important conversations. Where was the transgender representation? In 1970, Sylvia and Marsha wanted to create a safe space where young trans people could feel safe, unite and fight for their rights. They formed the Street Transvestite Activist Revolutionaries (STAR), which served as a haven for others.

In 1975, artist Andy Warhol crossed paths with Marsha and photographed her for his Ladies and Gentlemen series.

Living on the street for most of her life in a world where she wasn’t accepted led to over 100 arrests. Despite embracing her dangerous lifestyle, Marsha didn’t wish it upon anyone else. In 1990, Johnson contracted AIDS and used her platform to help destigmatize the disease. On July 6, 1992, Marsha’s body was found floating in the Hudson River. Allow her death was ruled a suicide, her friends strongly disagree that she would do such a thing. The LGBTQ+ community was furious that the NYPD chose not to investigate her death.