Welcome to our 22nd #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Marsha P. Johnson, an American Activist! Enjoy!
Marsha P Johnson was a trans woman, drag queen, and gay rights activist, in a time that wasn’t so welcoming and one that wasn’t too long ago. She’s remembered as one of the main figures in the Stonewall Uprising which catalyzed the gay rights movement both in the United States and globally, and is known for aiding LGBT+ youth. Every June for Pride month, Johnson’s story is retold and lives on to serve as an inspiration for others.
Johnson was born on August 24th, 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She identified as a male at birth and her deadname was the same as her father’s name, hence Malcom Michaels Jr. Johnson expressed an interest in dresses at the age of five but refrained due to harassment from boys in his neighborhood(About Marsha P. Johnson – Marsha P. Johnson Memorial – Elizabeth Native and Transgender Activist for LGBTQ+ Rights). Johnson grew up devoutly religious which contributed to her growing up in an intolerant environment. Johnson experienced sexual assault as an adolescent and remained sexually inactive until she left Elizabeth. To Johnson, being gay would be impossible in a smaller town but the narrative in a big city like New York City would be different. Johnson journeyed for the “Big Apple” after graduating from high school in 1963, with only $15 and some clothes. She waited on tables after settling into Greenwich Village in 1966 and made friends with street prostitutes, eventually becoming a sex worker.(Life Story: Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992))
With her new life in New York, she chose her new name to be Marsha P. Johnson. The “P” refers to “Pay it no mind” as an answer to the question of gender and “Johnson” refers to Howard Johnson (she liked his restaurants). Johnson increased her involvement within LGBTQ+ rights movements - especially at the Stonewall riots in New York, which is commemorated during Pride month. There are multiple accounts of Johnson’s impact on the Stonewall uprising, but all lack corroboration. The accounts of Johnson however, include her throwing a shot glass at a mirror in the inn and exclaiming, “I got my civil rights!” and throwing the first brick at the uprising. Though we don’t know if these are true, there are accounts of her arrival at the uprising around 2a.m. and being seen throwing a heavy object onto a police car (Marsha P. Johnson). Johnson is remembered as one of the most striking protesters and had little fear of being arrested since she had experienced run-ins with police based on cross dressing or wearing makeup. Besides Stonewall, she collaborated with fellow transwoman Sylvia Rivera to form a trans rights group called Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries and managed the “STAR House” for homeless LGBT+ youth. Johnson and her generous contributions to the community such as using her earnings for the meals of others became well known around New York City. Besides advocacy, Marsha P. Johnson was also a drag queen who made her own outfits and modeled for artist Andy Warhol. (Marsha P. Johnson (US National Park Service))
In 1992, Johnson’s body was found floating in the Hudson River and was ruled as a suicide, though many speculate the true cause was homicide. Johnson struggled with mental health through depression and stress, as a trans woc in a world lacking allies, someone who engaged in survival sex, and one who was arrested countless times. However, this increased awareness towards the importance of mental health in the LGBT+ community. Every year, during Pride month (June), Marsha’s life story is retold to keep her memory alive and in New York City, Mayor Andrew Cuomo dedicated a seven acre park in her name, the first one dedicated to a trans woman of color. Johnson is remembered for her selflessness and warm heart which helped homeless people and LGBT+ youth going through similar experiences and lives eternally in The Marsha P. Johnson Foundation, aiding Black trans people.
This is a Woman of the Week article, a weekly deep dive into an amazing women of color. For more incredible stories like this one, check out our article on Yuri Kochiyama and Jofesa Madamba Llanes Escoda! Also, if you’re interested in another type of article, read our Around the World article on 5 Korean Actresses. Make sure to follow us at @likeagirlglobalon Instagram for more updates and original content!
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