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You've probably heard about the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's in the United States.
Photo by Library of Congress on UnsplashBut did you know that the gay rights movement was beginning around the same time?
One of the pioneers of this movement was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman. Her story can teach us lessons about being true to yourself, standing up for your rights, and showing kindness to others.
Did you know?
Marsha P. Johnson was born in 1945 and was assigned male at birth. She began wearing girl's clothing at the age of 5, but was bullied for doing so. She wasn't able to express her true self until moving to New York as an adult. However, she continued to face discrimination and difficulties related to her identity. Marsha died in 1992 under mysterious circumstances.
1. Try to Understand Others' Perspectives
Imagine how hurtful this must have been for a young child just trying to be themselves.
Lessons Learned
Most of us can relate to a time when we were bullied or put down. The next time you encounter someone who seems different, try to place yourself in their shoes. They're a person just like you. Kindness is the best path.
Perhaps you're in a situation where you are the one who's different or being picked on. Do your best to build yourself up. You are worthy! Find others who support you, and try to ignore the critics. Marsha eventually came into herself, and so will you.
2. Stand Up for Your Rights
Marsha was a central figure in the gay rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, it was illegal to be gay or transgender, but Marsha was proud of her identity and didn't try to hide it.
During this time period, police kept watch on gay establishments and would arrest people who went to gay nightclubs. Marsha herself was arrested several times for exhibiting the fact that she was transgender.
On June 28, 1969, the police raided a nightclub on Christopher Street in New York called The Stonewall Inn. Patrons, including Marsha P. Johnson, fought back. The uprising took place over a period of 6 days and came to be known as the Stonewall Riots.
Exactly one year later, Christopher Street Liberation Day, the first gay pride parade in New York City, was held.
Marsha has been quoted as saying, "No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”
Lessons Learned
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Speak up if you are, or someone you know, is being treated poorly or discriminated against.
Be proud of who you are.
3. Pay It Forward
Marsha experienced many hardships during her life, but this didn't stop her from helping others. Instead, she tapped into her difficult experiences and decided that she would reach out to people in similar circumstances.
Together with her close friend, Sylvia Rivera, Marsha established the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) organization to help homeless transgender youth.
STAR was the first LGBTQ+ shelter in North America. The organization provided food, housing, and support to young transgender people who were often shunned by their families and society and were at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking. Marsha helped them get off the streets and assured them that they were loved.
Lesson Learned
Use your talents and personal experiences to help others. Even in times of hardship, it's possible. In fact, going through tough times can result in greater empathy and may motivate you to support others going through a similar experience.
Quiz
Mimi is being put down by her family members because they are transgender. What would Martha P. Johnson tell Mimi? Select all that apply:
Marsha understood what it felt like to be different and to be treated poorly. She took her negative experiences and adopted the "P" in her name to stand for "Pay It No Mind" because she realized she didn't have to please other people. She supported young transgender people by meeting their immediate needs for food and shelter and by assuring them that they were loved and things would get better.
Did you know?
During Martha's lifetime, the term "transgender" wasn't commonly used. People often used the words "transvestite" or "transsexual" but those terms are no longer considered appropriate or accurate ways to describe transgender people.
Take Action
Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneer in the LBGT+ rights movement. She fought for equal rights and advocated for others in need. Her life wasn't easy, but she persevered to the best of her ability, helping to pave the way for others to be more accepted.
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW