Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall Riots – Georgina L
Marsha P. Johnson was an African-American gay man and drag-artist (someone who dresses extravagantly and performs as a woman). Marsha was an activist, whom without, the LGBTQ+ community would not be as represented as it is now. In June 1969, there was a police raid on a gay bar in New York called The Stonewall Inn. There was excessive violence and over 200 people were forced out of the bar with extreme brutality. Marsha was one of the key people who stood up and went against the police in these raids. There was an attempted arrest on Marsha which was unsuccessful, however this began a butterfly effect of change; there were riots and protests demanding rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
Marsha had the courage to go against the law and the majority of the population to stand up for the rights they deserved, and although the problem didn’t end overnight, Marsha’s actions served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world, and this has now lead to a world where is the majority of countries, being gay is a protected human right, and it is legal in all but 70 countries. Although the LGBTQ+ community has come so far thanks to the brave acts of so many throughout history, which will never be forgotten, there is still a long way to go. It is extremely lucky as in Western Europe, being gay is not criminalised and along with the United States, however lots of places in the Middle East, Africa and some parts of Asia you can even be killed for partaking in homosexual acts.
Fun fact, The ‘P’ in Marsha P Johnson’s name means ‘pay it no mind’ referencing a phrase they said sarcastically whenever someone asked about their gender.
Marisha P Johnson August 1945-July 1992
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