Miss Major Griffin – Gracy
American author, activist, and community organizer for transgender rights
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, commonly known as Miss Major, is a distinguished American author, activist, and community organizer celebrated for her impactful contributions to transgender rights. Born in the 1940s, she has dedicated her life to advocating for a spectrum of social causes. Miss Major played a pivotal role as the inaugural executive director of the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project, showcasing her commitment to fostering justice within the transgender community.
Throughout her storied life, Miss Major has been a vital participant in activism and community organizing, leaving an indelible mark on various movements. Her extensive involvement includes contributing to oral history collections such as Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex, The Stonewall Reader, and The Stonewall Generation: LGBT Elders on Sex, Activism, and Aging.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy is not only a trailblazer in advocacy but also a prolific author. Her memoir, titled Miss Major Speaks: Conversations with a Black Trans Revolutionary, stands as a testament to her experiences and insights. Published by Verso, this memoir delves into the profound journey of a Black trans revolutionary, offering a unique perspective on resilience and activism.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy has been honored with several prestigious awards and distinctions, recognizing her remarkable contributions to social justice and transgender rights:
- 2013 Social Justice Sabbatical Award, Vanguard Public Foundation: In 2013, Miss Major was bestowed with the Social Justice Sabbatical Award by the Vanguard Public Foundation. This award acknowledged her outstanding dedication to advancing social justice causes.
- 2014 Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award, Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center: The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center honored Miss Major in 2014 with the Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award. This recognition highlighted her significant impact on the wellness and empowerment of the transgender community.
- 2014 San Francisco Pride Parade, Community Grand Marshal: Miss Major played a key role as the Community Grand Marshal in the 2014 San Francisco Pride Parade. This esteemed position underscored her leadership and influence within the LGBTQ+ community.
- 2019 Acey Social Justice Award, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice: Recognizing her exemplary commitment to social justice, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice presented Miss Major with the Acey Social Justice Award in 2019. This award acknowledged her transformative work in advocating for the rights of transgender individuals.
- Women of the Year 2021, The Advocate: In 2021, The Advocate recognized Miss Major Griffin-Gracy as one of the Women of the Year. This prestigious title celebrated her enduring impact and leadership in the LGBTQ+ community.
These honors collectively highlight Miss Major’s profound influence, dedication, and leadership in the realm of social justice and transgender rights, solidifying her status as a distinguished advocate and trailblazer.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Miss Major has received numerous honors and accolades. Notably, she was honored with the 2013 Social Justice Sabbatical Award by the Vanguard Public Foundation. The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center awarded her the prestigious 2014 Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award. Miss Major was also celebrated as the community grand marshal in the 2014 San Francisco Pride Parade. In 2019, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice bestowed upon her the Acey Social Justice Award. Furthermore, she was recognized as one of the Women of the Year in 2021 by The Advocate.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy’s legacy extends far beyond her lifetime achievements. Her tireless efforts in advancing transgender rights, combined with her impactful writings, have left an enduring imprint on the broader social justice landscape. Miss Major continues to inspire future generations with her dedication to equality, making her an icon in the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and broader societal inclusivity.