Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson 1945 - 1992
Before ultimately selecting Marsha P., Johnson was known as “Black Marsha.” After enduring countless criticism related to her gender and sexuality, Johnson decided to incorporate her response to the criticism in her name. Choosing Marsha P. Johnson, with the P standing for “pay it no mind” was a demonstration of Johnson’s humor and grace. While Johnson is best known for her contributions to the gay liberation movement of New York, her activism extended to advocating for homeless youth, ending police brutality, and supporting HIV positive youth.
In 1970, Johnson along with Sylvia Rivera, established Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (“STAR”). The primary aim of STAR was ‘supporting transgender youth experiencing homelessness in New York City.’
This history provided by the BBC embodies the activist spirit and courage of Marsha P. Johnson: “In June 1969, police raided a gay bar in New York called The Stonewall Inn. The police forced over 200 people out of the bar and onto the streets, and then used excessive violence against them. Marsha, who was living and working in New York at the time, was one of the key figures who stood up to the police during the raids. Marsha resisted arrest, but in the following days, led a series of protests and riots demanding rights for gay people.”
