https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti Without her, we would not have Pride. en-us 2022-06-01 15:24:59 UTC 2022-06-10 15:13:12 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1509583886/b2d52c4d13a18a75ba2baf6a4934c027/marsha.jpg saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207696139 Marsha P. Johnson was born August 24, 1945 in Elizabeth. Throughout her life, she was a transgender activist, who is well known for her participation in the Stonewall Uprising and fight for equal rights. She was assigned male at birth, born under the name "Malcolm Michaels Jr." to parents Malcolm Michaels Sr. and Alberta Claiborne. As young as five years old, she began wearing dresses and feeling more comfortable in feminine clothes. Due to the time, she was harassed by neighborhood boys and was told by her mother that homosexuality is "lower than being a dog." Then, unfortunately, she was raped by a thirteen-year-old boy. This caused Johnson to stray away from her identity and stop wearing the feminine clothes she felt most comfortable in. Once she graduated high school, Johnson moved away to New York, only having fifteen dollars and a bag of clothes. Feeling a sense of newfound freedom, she began dressing exclusively in feminine clothing and adopted the name "Black Marsha", which she later changed to "Marsha P. Johnson". The "P" stood for, "pay it no mind" which is a phrase Johnson often used when asked about her gender. At this time, the term "transgender" was not used so Marsha identified as a drag queen and she fell under the harmful identity of a "transvestite". A transvestite is a homosexual man/woman who dress in clothes of the opposite gender. This was not Marsha's true identity- she was female. But, it was the only label around in the 1960s and 70s. Johnson did not have a lot of money so she turned to waiting tables, getting to know the locals, and prostituting herself. Now, she is most known for her contributions in the Stonewall riots. She was a common visitor of the Stonewall Inn and she stood with the LGBTQ community when they got fed up with the discrimination they faced. On June 28, 1969, things became violent at Stonewall, ending in LGBTQ members being questionably arrested and forced into police cars. Once the public became aware, many riots started in neighborhoods due to an upset community. Many witnesses claimed Marsha P. Johnson was one of the main instigators of the uprising, but she is now recognized as the vanguard of the gay liberation movement. After Stonewall, Marsha continued to dedicate her life to activism and joined the Gay Liberation Front. Along with Sylvia Rivera, another trans woman of color, they founded the "Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries" (STAR). Because of Marsha P. Johnson, the members of the LGBTQ community began to gain rights and start an uproar of pride in being themselves. Marsha P. Johnson was a wonderful woman until she passed away in 1992. She was found floating in a river and her death was ruled a suicide, but the case was reopened twenty-five years later due to friends insisting she was not suicidal. Nothing was found, but hopefully one day, Marsha gets justice just as she gave the LGBTQ justice all those years ago.]]> 2022-06-01 15:41:11 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207696139 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207699467 Towards the climax and end of civil rights movement, the rising and ending of the Vietnam war, the continuation of the cold war, and the space race to see who could be the first to put a man on the moon, along with the drama of a generational revolt with its sexual freedoms and use of drugs, times were changing and big things were happening. The economy was doing good and expanding until the recession of 1969-70 which faltered under the new foreign competition and the oil crisis of 1973. There were also antiwar and anti draft protests for those who were against the war. Then there was also the watergate scandal where Richard Nixon had an affair and it eventually led to his resignation.]]> 2022-06-01 15:43:31 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207699467 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207699967 In the 60s, the LGBTQ uprising began after the Stonewall riots. There was discrimination against the community and they were treated as diseased. Women were often sexualized when they worked jobs other than a teacher and they were seen as inferior to men, so the women's rights movement started. A lot of violence swept poc neighborhoods due to Martin Luther King Jr.
In the 70s, the women's liberation movement and the LGBTQ movement began to intensify during the mid 70s. The civil rights movement continued as poc were still not being treated equally. Some laws were being regulated mostly in the US to ban discrimination.
In the 80s, there was an increase in support for women and single moms. However, with the LGBTQ community becoming more admit about their mistreatment, the 1980s were a period of intensified homophobia, sanctioned from the top echelons of society: the government, church, police and tabloids. A lot of people of color were sent to prison unfairly and they were the first to feel the impact of high unemployment, inflation, crime, and public sector cutbacks. Politically, they were targeted for their movements. But even while facing discrimination they were starting to be recognized for their diverse field of politics, and sports, and in entertainment. ]]> 2022-06-01 15:43:47 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207699967 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207704597 Along with her friend, fellow transgender woman of color, Sylvia Rivera, Marsha co-founded the "Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries" or STAR. STAR was an organization to help queer youth. They would provide shelter, food, and acceptance to queer and trans youth living on the street. Later in 1970, STAR opened STAR House which was a parked trailer truck in a parking lot to provide a more stable location. STAR was the first organization in the United States to be led by transgender women of color. STAR expanded to other cities, but ended up collapsing so it was revived in New York City.]]> 2022-06-01 15:47:18 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207704597 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207704889 Marsha P. Johnson is mostly known for being an important figure in the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. She was one of the three most important figures and she was on the frontlines of the riot, with some speculating she actually started the commotion. She resisted arrest and continued to influence the uprising. She was nicknamed "Saint of Christopher Street", which was the street Stonewall Inn was located.]]> 2022-06-01 15:47:30 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207704889 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207705115 This organization advocated for the sexual liberation of all people. This group was immediately formed after the Stonewall Riots and Marsha P. Johnson helped the organization due to her dedication to LGBTQ activism. The organization sought to end discrimination towards gay and lesbian people. It also helped begin the conversation of being transgender as Marsha thought it was not fair that the LGBTQ community focused mainly on cis homosexuals. The rise of this organization led to the end of the homophobic approach to gay rights.]]> 2022-06-01 15:47:41 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207705115 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207706516 During her time, Marsha P. Johnson worked to provide food, clothing, and an emotional sense of security to LGBTQ youth, directly positively impacting them. As Johnson played a large part in the Stonewall Riots, she was able to transform the gay liberation movement and the twentieth-century fight for LGBTQ rights in the US. She gave acceptance to the youth that needed it and helped in taking the first steps in LGBTQ activism.]]> 2022-06-01 15:48:45 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207706516 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207707144 Without a doubt, Marsha P. Johnson is the "drag mother" of the LGBTQ community and without her, the community would not be where it is today. As she finally starts to get more attention, it is brought to light that Marsha P. Johnson and other trans women of color are single-handedly responsible for the gay liberation movement. She brought light to the movement and has expanded largely. The LGBTQ community cannot thank her enough. To celebrate Marsha P. Johnson, they have a bust statue (neck and up) of her in Christopher Park.]]> 2022-06-01 15:49:18 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207707144 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207707842 This movement still exists today! The LGBTQ Movement has gained more and more support over the years. Gay marriage was legalized in 2015 and the LGBTQ community is mostly celebrated during June, called "Pride Month". ]]> 2022-06-01 15:49:52 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207707842 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708227 Today, the LGBTQ is viewed more positively. It is accepted in most countries and every year, it becomes more accepted in society. 
Unfortunately, there are still 69 countries that make homosexuality illegal- mostly in Africa. The ruling to legalize same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, didn’t end the struggle for equality and protection. Across the country, LGBTQ Americans still face legalized discrimination under the law when it comes to housing, jobs, parenting, and even prison. There is still a lot of religious debate over the LGBTQ, mostly among older Christians. ]]> 2022-06-01 15:50:13 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708227 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708536 Today, Marsha P. Johnson is remembered as a veteranized icon in LGBTQ history. Every year, she is remembered for the activism she portrayed and she has been celebrated in books, movies, etc. Her activism is immortalized in media and she continues to be remembered as an inspiration for queer youth. Her actions and words continue to inspire trans activism and resistance, and will continue to do so well into the future.]]> 2022-06-01 15:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708536 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708884 The debate against homosexuality is far from over. No matter how vastly accepted it has become, there will always be people who will not come to terms with it. While the supporters of the LGBTQ movement fight against discrimination, the LGBTQ community continues to struggle against their oppressors. 
Hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals are still shockingly prevalent across the country. In 2015, nearly one in five hate crimes committed in the US was due to sexual orientation, and another 2% of crimes were committed because of gender identity.
In a vast majority of states, kids can still be sent to so-called “gay conversion therapy,” a harmful practice that the American Psychological Association has condemned.
Only a handful of states have enshrined in law the right of gay couples to parent together.
The LGBTQ can be denied jobs due to their identity. Whether it is presenting as a stereotypical gay person or announcing that you are trans, it puts you in danger of being denied a job. On top of that, many transgender individuals are often denied housing due to their identity. Around 40% of the homeless youth are LGBTQ.
At the end of the day, the LGBTQ community has not received the justice they deserve. ]]> 2022-06-01 15:50:42 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207708884 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207709065 In the weeks following Stonewall, activists in New York organized the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). A few months later, the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) was founded in December 1969. New LGBTQ activist organizations began to form across the United States and internationally. Many of these groups formed at college campuses. While historical accounts have largely focused on the activism on the east and west coasts post-Stonewall, LGBTQ activism was flourishing all over the country, including the Midwest and the Southern United States. 
Stonewall started the revolution. Since Stonewall, the movement had expanded and become more popular, due to people like Marsha P. Johnson. The government became involved to make pride month in 2000 and then legalize same-sex marriage in 2015.]]> 2022-06-01 15:50:52 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2207709065 saheffron https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2215469598 A practice that emphasizes direct support or opposition to a movement dedicated to securing equal opportunities for members of minority groups. ]]> 2022-06-08 21:44:18 UTC https://padlet.com/saheffron/ahl1icwocvogtzti/wish/2215469598