In celebrating both Juneteenth and Pride Month, we’re honored to highlight the extraordinary life of gay and Black rights activist, Marsha P. Johnson.
Marsha P. Johnson was born with the name Malcolm Michaels Jr. on August 24, 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Growing up, Johnson enjoyed wearing dresses, and entertained the idea that he might be gay but kept his sexuality a secret because acceptance of the LGBTQ community was virtually non-existent in the mid-20th century. However, in 1963, after graduating high school, Johnson moved to New York City, where his life and legacy changed forever.
Once in NYC, Johnson moved to Greenwich Village, where he quickly became ingrained in the world of sex work and drag queens. He came out as gay and made it his mission to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community, as well as the safety and protection of those working in the sex industry. Johnson himself became a drag queen and went by the name “Marsha P.” He claimed the “P” stood for “pay it no mind.” During his life, Johnson identified as openly gay and preferred dressing as a woman. In today’s terms, Johnson was “gender non-conforming.”
Johnson quickly became popular on the NYC drag scene. He was known for his alluring androgynous style—his costumes were never quite entirely masculine or feminine. Johnson was a pivotal figure during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and was known for using his stage presence as a platform for AIDS awareness and education. Johnson was also photographed by Andy Warhol, which served to further increase his popularity.
Johnson was also one of the leading figures in the Stonewall Uprisings. Although he denied starting the riot, he was seen on site every night of the uprising fighting back against police in a grand showing of LGBTQ advocacy. After the uprising, Johnson joined the Gay Liberation Front to continue his activism. On June 28, 1970, Johnson participated in the first New York City Gay Pride march.
In 1972, Johnson founded the STAR house, which provide shelter and community to gay and transgender kids. Johnson’s goal with STAR house was to help marginalized youth find other individuals similar to themselves with whom they could hopefully live a less risky, more fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, the late 1970s found Johnson in a precarious state. His mental health severely declined after a series of financial losses forced him to resort to survival sex as a way of life. He had several mental breakdowns, and he was arrested over 100 times for various crimes. In June 1992, Johnson’s body was found in the Hudson River. Police ruled his death a suicide, but friends argued that a large wound on Johnson’s head indicated violence. In 2002, Johnson’s official cause of death was changed from “suicide” to “undetermined.”
Despite his tragic ending, Marsha P. Johnson will forever be remembered as a brave advocate speaking out as his authentic self in a time when it was not acceptable to do so. This Pride Month, we look to icons like Johnson to remember how far we’ve come, and how hard we must continue to work for the rights of all people.
