Know Their Names - A Pride Series Day 1

For the next 12 days, I’m sharing the names of LGBTQ+ figures who changed the world, many of them without recognition, some still denied their place in history books.

This series isn’t for likes. It’s a reminder:

We have always been here.

We have always fought back.

And no matter how hard they try to erase us, our truth remains.

So today, we start with a name everyone should know.

🕊️ Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha was a Black transgender woman. A sex worker. An activist.

She was poor. She was often houseless.

But despite the world trying to push her out ,she became one of the most visible, vocal, and vibrant figures of our movement.

On the night of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, it was Marsha who said “enough.”

And though some debate who threw the first brick, what’s undeniable is this:

Marsha helped ignite a revolution.

She didn’t do it for fame. She did it for survival.

And for everyone else just trying to survive.

With fellow activist Sylvia Rivera, she founded STAR, the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. A group that housed and fed queer youth, trans people, and drag queens thrown out by families, shelters, and society.

She called herself a nobody. But the truth is: she was somebody we all owe.

Marsha lived out loud, but she died in silence.

In 1992, her body was found in the Hudson River.

Police ruled it a suicide.

But her community knew better.

Even in death, she was dismissed.

But we don’t forget. We refuse to.

So today, we say her name, loud and clear.

Marsha P. Johnson.

“The P stands for Pay It No Mind.”

Pay the hate no mind.

Pay the fear no mind.

Pay the erasure no mind.

Because if you don’t know her name, learn it.

And if you already do, teach it.

We remember. We resist. We rise.

🏳️‍🌈 #KnowTheirNames #MarshaPJohnson #Pride #LGBTQHistory #BlackTransLivesMatter

United States

2025/6/26 Edited to

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights has been shaped by numerous individuals, but few are as iconic as Marsha P. Johnson. Born in 1945, Marsha was a pivotal figure during the Stonewall Uprising, often regarded as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her activism didn’t just stop with the protests; she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Sylvia Rivera, focusing on the support of homeless transgender youth and individuals who faced discrimination. Despite her tireless efforts, Marsha’s life was marred by systemic challenges and societal neglect. As a Black transgender woman, she navigated the intersections of race and gender identity, fighting against the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Johnson's work highlighted the urgent need for safety, support, and recognition for LGBTQ+ people—especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The legacy of Marsha P. Johnson remains influential today. This year, various Pride events and discussions echo her calls for justice and inclusion. Activists continue to seek acknowledgment of the struggles faced by transgender individuals and the systemic inequalities that persist within the community. Through her life and work, Marsha not only advocated for marginalized voices but also inspired current and future generations to continue the fight for equality. As we remember Marsha P. Johnson, let us reaffirm our commitment to advocacy and allyship. Understanding our history is crucial in recognizing the ongoing fight against discrimination and promoting a society where every person’s identity and existence are celebrated. Today, we not only honor Marsha’s memory but also vow to sustain the movements she bravely led for equality, justice, and love.

2 comments

📌 just Hil 🏳️‍🌈

Everyone shd definitely know her name!!! She was a bad ass!!

🏳️‍🌈💙[ʀᴏʙ ᴍ]Creator

Right?! She was seriously a total badass. More people need to know what she did and what she stood for. Saying her name loud and proud 💪🏽💜 #MarshaPJohnson #PayItNoMind Check out days 2, 3, and 4 they are up now