Remembering Marsha P Johnson, a trailblazer for LGBTQ rights

Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) was a Black transgender activist, performer and one of the most important figures in New York's early LGBTQ+ liberation movement. Best known for her involvement in the 1969 Stonewall uprising, Johnson also devoted much of her life to helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Her story, however, extends far beyond Stonewall. (wikimedia commons)

She Moved to New York With Just $15: After graduating from high school in 1963, Johnson left Elizabeth, New Jersey, for New York City with just one bag of clothes and $15. In Greenwich Village, she found a community where she could more openly express herself, eventually becoming a familiar figure in the neighbourhood's LGBTQ+ scene. (wikimedia commons)

What Did the “P” Stand For? The “P” in Marsha P. Johnson stood for “Pay It No Mind.” It became her trademark response when people questioned her gender or appearance. The phrase reflected her famously carefree and defiant attitude toward other people's judgments. (wikimedia commons)

Andy Warhol Turned Her Into Art: Johnson's striking appearance also caught the attention of Andy Warhol. In 1975, he included her in his Ladies and Gentlemen series, which featured portraits of drag performers. Johnson herself was also a performer, appearing with groups including the Hot Peaches and the Angels of Light. (instagram: thestonewallin)

Her Role at Stonewall Is More Complicated: Johnson is frequently described as the person who “started” the Stonewall uprising, but the historical record is more complicated. Johnson herself said she arrived at the Stonewall Inn after the confrontation had already begun. While her exact actions that night remain debated, historians agree that she was an important participant in the uprising and its aftermath. (national women's history museum)

She Co-Founded STAR With Sylvia Rivera: In 1970, Johnson and fellow activist Sylvia Rivera founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). The organisation provided food, clothing and shelter to homeless transgender and LGBTQ+ young people. Its first shelter, STAR House, began in an abandoned trailer before moving into a building in Manhattan. (newyork historical society)

She Kept Activism Going During the AIDS Crisis: Johnson continued supporting vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis, caring for friends and advocating for greater awareness. She was diagnosed with HIV in 1990 and spoke publicly about the disease. After her death in 1992, questions surrounding the circumstances remained; her death was initially ruled a suicide, later changed to undetermined, and the case remains unsolved. (wikimedia commons)