Marsha P. Johnson(1945 -1992)
Born in, 1945, Johnson legally changed her name to Marsha in 1966 when she moved to New York City. Being black, gay, transgender, and poor, Marsha was very familiarized with being marginalized and dedicated her life to helping young people like her. Every now and again she would revert to the male persona of Malcolm Michaels--this served as a painfully obvious reminder to herself and those around her that she was happiest and healthiest living as Marsha. She wished to then help youth who experienced this and simply wanted to live comfortably as well. In 1969, Johnson and a few others were key figures in resisting the Stonewall Bar Raid. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, another key figure, founded STAR(Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) to help homeless LGBTQ individuals, especially the youth. Johnsons was also heavily involved in the GLF(Gay Liberation Front) and the following pride marches that started up in the 1970s. As a drag queen and just a naturally outgoing person, Johnson's outfits were often extravagant and bright. These drew the attention of Andy Warhol who photographed and immortalized her in 1975. In 1992, at age 46, her body was found in the Hudson River. It was written off as a suicide, but those close to Johnson claimed she had not been suicidal and the whole situation was heavily underreported. Still, no formal criminal investigation has been held. A monument is being built in her honor in Elizabeth, New York.
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