200 Years of LGBTQIA+ History

From Shadows to Pride — UK & Global Timeline

24 August 1945

Marsha P. Johnson — Birth of a Trans Icon and Activist

Activism Trans Cultural People

Marsha P. Johnson was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Johnson would become one of the most prominent figures in LGBTQ+ history as a trans woman, drag performer, and activist. A key figure at the Stonewall uprising of 1969, Johnson co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) with Sylvia Rivera in 1970, providing shelter and support for homeless transgender youth and sex workers in New York City. The 'P' in Johnson's name stood for 'Pay It No Mind' — the response given when asked about gender.

Impact & Significance

Marsha P. Johnson became one of the most iconic figures of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, embodying the intersections of race, gender identity, and activism. Her legacy continues to inspire transgender rights campaigns worldwide.

Reference Record

Date
24 August 1945
Era
1900-1949
Sources
1

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Topic Guides

Queer Public Trailblazers Queer public trailblazers made LGBTQ+ lives visible across science, civil rights, elected office and trans liberation, often while facing erasure or punishment.

Questions This Event Helps Answer

Q Who were early UK trans pioneers? Early UK trans pioneers include Michael Dillon, Roberta Cowell, April Ashley, Stephen Whittle, Julia Grant and the organisers who built early trans community networks. Q Which LGBTQ+ public figures changed visibility? They changed visibility in politics, science, activism and literature by showing that queer lives could be public, influential and historic. Q How did HIV/AIDS change public health and activism? HIV/AIDS changed public health by forcing faster surveillance, treatment approval, community-led prevention, visible memorialisation and international awareness.

Sources

Marsha P. Johnson archive National Women's History Museum
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