Marsha P. Johnson | NewsBreak

Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992) was an American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Known as an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. A founding member of the Gay Liberation Front, Johnson co-founded the gay and transvestite advocacy organization S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), alongside close friend Sylvia Rivera. A popular figure in New York City's gay and art scene, Johnson modeled for Andy Warhol, and performed onstage with the drag performance troupe Hot Peaches. Known for decades as a welcoming presence in the streets of Greenwich Village, Johnson was known as the "mayor of Christopher Street". From 1987 through 1992, Johnson was an AIDS activist with ACT UP.

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Born

1945-08-24

Birth Place

Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.[5]

Place Of Death

New York City, U.S.

Known For

The_Cockettes

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Salon

8 facts about transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson

This story originally appeared on Mental Floss. Marsha P. Johnson was a relentless advocate for gay rights, best known for her involvement in the Stonewall Uprising and tireless efforts to protect those in her community. Though she dealt with homelessness, mental health issues, and police brutality throughout her life, she managed to leave behind a legacy of positivity by establishing one of the first LGBTQ+ youth shelters and providing basic needs for anyone struggling around her. Here are eight facts about Marsha P. Johnson.

NEW YORK CITY, NY2022-06-25

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hobokengirl.com

The True Mother of Drag: Hoboken’s Own Marsha P. Johnson

Long before RuPaul sashayed from the runway and into America’s hearts, there was Marsha P. Johnson and a deep connection to Hoboken. But what did Marsha, the “true Mother of Drag” according to RuPaul, have to do with Hoboken? It may surprise readers that perhaps the most important and famous trans woman in history — a trailblazer in her time — found solace in Hoboken. Today, murals and monuments around the globe celebrate Marsha P. Johnson, the trans woman who fought for her rights during and after the Stonewall Uprisings. While this world-renowned activist had once been homeless, she made Hoboken her home. Read on to learn about Marsha P. Johnson and her connection to Hoboken.

HOBOKEN, NJ2022-06-02

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CNN

A bust of Marsha P. Johnson went up near the Stonewall Inn as a tribute to the transgender activist

Visitors to New York's Christopher Park this week were greeted by the bust of Marsha P. Johnson, stoic yet softly smiling. It evokes a famous photograph of Johnson, beaming with a crown of brilliant blooms strewn through her hair. It was the work of a group of enterprising artists and activists.

POLITICS2021-08-30

CNN

A bust of Marsha P. Johnson went up near the Stonewall Inn as a tribute to the transgender activist

(CNN) — Visitors to New York's Christopher Park this week were greeted by the bust of Marsha P. Johnson, stoic yet softly smiling. She's wearing a tiara on her head, designed to loop live flowers through. It evokes a famous photograph of Johnson, beaming with a crown of brilliant blooms strewn through her hair.

POLITICS2021-08-28

The Hill

More than 24,000 sign petition to replace New Jersey city’s Columbus statue with one of Marsha P. Johnson

More than 24,000 people have signed an online petition to replace a statue of Christopher Columbus in Elizabeth, N.J., with one of Marsha P. Johnson, an LGBTQ activist who was born there. “We should commemorate Marsha P. Johnson for the incredible things she did in her lifetime and for the...

ELIZABETH, NJ2020-06-29