[ Simmons, Ron. “Photographic slide of Marsha P. Johnson at a New York City Gay Pride Parade.” 1982. National Museum of African American History and Culture. ]
Marsha P. Johnson
Leader in a New Frontier of Inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
Conclusion
Marsha P. Johnson’s activism for equal rights for queer people, people of color and people living on the streets greatly contributed to the inclusivity of the current lgbtq+ rights movement. Her connection with her community, advocation for transgender inclusion within the gay community, and participation in STAR were all stepping stones on the path to an a more accepting lgbtq+ community.
Johnson passed in 1992, when her body was found in the Hudson River, however, the details of her death are still unknown. Near the end of her life, she was an AIDs activist and worked to help people affected by the disease.
Since her death, the lgbtq+ community has made great strides in gaining equal rights. In 2013, gender dysphoria was declassified as a mental illness, and in 2015, gay marriage was made legal in all states. Although Johnson wasn’t alive to see these outcomes, her activism was a turning point in the gay rights movement, and her unwavering spirit brought a new frontier of inclusivity and acceptance into the world.
“Lots of times they tell me, ‘You’re not a woman!’ I say, ‘I don’t know what I am if I’m not a woman.’”
- Marsha P. Johnson
“Marsha would give the blouse off her back if you asked for it. She would give you her last dollar. She would take off her shoes.”
- Sylvia Rivera