Marsha P. Johnson
(August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992)
Marsha P. Johnson, born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was a trailblazing American gay liberation activist and a self-identified drag queen. Renowned for her outspoken advocacy for gay rights, Johnson became a central figure in the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
As a pioneering activist, Johnson played a vital role in the foundation of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and co-founded the radical activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside her close friend Sylvia Rivera. Beyond her activism, Johnson was a beloved figure in New York’s gay community and a vibrant participant in thee city’s art scene. She collaborated with iconic artist Andy Warhol, modeled, and graced the stage with the drag performance troupe Hot Peaches.
Affectionately known as the “mayor of Christopher Street,” Marsha P. Johnson was celebrated for her welcoming and inclusive presence in the streets of Greenwich Village. In 1987, she expanded her activism to address the AIDS epidemic, joining the fight with the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP).
Tragically, Johnson’s life came to an untimely end when her body was discovered floating in the Hudson River in 1992. Initially ruled a suicide by the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the circumstances surrounding her death sparked controversy and protests. In response to public outcry, the case was eventually re-opened, acknowledging the possibility of homicide.
Marsha P. Johnson’s enduring legacy transcends her tragic end. She remains an inspirational and influential figure in LGBTQ+ history, remembered for her courage, activism, and pivotal role in advancing the fight for equality and justice. Johnson’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, making her a revered icon in the pursuit of a more inclusive and accepting society