02. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ A LESSON IN PRIDE: Celebrating the Pioneers Who Changed Our World 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
By James Boone
(DQE CEO & Co-Founder)
Celebrating the Pioneers Who Changed Our World
As we celebrate Pride this month, it’s essential to remember and honor the trailblazers whose bravery and activism made our current freedoms possible. Pride began as a riot—an uprising sparked by police raids on a popular LGBT bar—and the movement we proudly support today was forged by fearless individuals like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
Marsha P. Johnson: The Mother of Pride
Marsha P. Johnson was a transgender woman, drag queen, performer, and fierce activist whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha’s journey was marked by resilience—wearing dresses from a young age, fighting at Stonewall, and resisting arrest over 100 times. She famously refused to be detained during the police raid on the Stonewall Inn and led protests that galvanized the gay rights movement.
Alongside her friend Sylvia Rivera, Marsha helped found the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and transgender individuals. She also played a pivotal role in organizing the first Pride parade, held in commemoration of the Stonewall uprising.
Marsha’s life was one of activism, art, and unyielding love for her community. She modeled for Andy Warhol, performed with the troupe Hot Peaches, and dedicated her later years to AIDS activism. Though her body was discovered floating in the Hudson River in 1992—her death shrouded in mystery—her legacy lives on through the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, committed to defending Black transgender lives today.
Sylvia Rivera: A Voice for the Voiceless
Sylvia Rivera, born in 1951 in New York City, was a vibrant Latina trans activist and a fierce champion for marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Orphaned early and turned to sex work, Sylvia faced homelessness and hardship from a young age. Yet her struggles fueled her activism and her unwavering commitment to justice.
She met Marsha P. Johnson in 1963, and their bond and shared activism would shape the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Sylvia was present at the Stonewall Riots at just 17 years old, famously declaring, “I’m not missing a minute of this—it's the revolution!” She is said to have thrown a bottle at police during the riots, exemplifying her fearless spirit.
Throughout her life, Sylvia fought tirelessly for the rights of homeless youth, drag queens, and transgender people of color. She co-founded STAR to support those most often ignored and discriminated against. Her efforts extended to advocating for bills that protected trans rights and fighting for justice for victims of hate crimes.
Sylvia’s advocacy continued until her passing from liver cancer in 2002.
Why We Celebrate and Remember
This Pride, we honor the courage and resilience of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Their activism challenged societal norms, fought discrimination, and created safe spaces for generations to come. They remind us that our work is ongoing—and that each act of courage, no matter how small, can lead to monumental change.
In their honor, organizations like the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project continue their legacy by advocating for Black trans lives and fighting for human rights.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Let their stories inspire you to celebrate your truth and stand for justice. Whether it’s supporting a local organization, speaking out against injustice, or simply showing kindness, every small act matters.
This Pride, let's remember—our community’s strength lies in unity, resilience, and the fearless pursuit of equality.
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Support the Sylvia Rivera Law Project at www.srlp.org and learn how you can help continue their vital work!