Marsha P. Johnson: Who Creates the Most Impact?

Abstract

Marsha P. Johnson was a Black transgender activist and one of the leaders of the Stonewall Riots. As a Black trans woman, who was also a poor sex worker, Johnson was greatly disadvantaged. She struggled with police, white and middle-class queers, and fighting against the European idea of the superiority of mind over heart. Despite this, she continued to try to change the world for the better. Without her, so much of the progress society has made to accept queerness would not be possible. Marsha P. Johnson proves that the most vulnerable members of a community tend to be the ones to create the largest impact.