Marsha P. Johnson’s story is relevant today, especially given recent attempts by the Trump administration to diminish her historical significance.
Johnson is widely known for her pivotal role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a landmark event where LGBTQIA+ individuals resisted systemic police brutality and fought for their rights to assemble, dance, and express themselves. As a key figure in this uprising, Johnson’s legacy has endured, despite efforts to rewrite history.
After two decades of studying Johnson’s life, her impact extends far beyond a single event. Her story embodies radical imagination, a belief in the unseen, and finding joy amidst adversity. Her legacy lives on through the passion and creativity of young people nationwide. Despite attempts to erase Johnson’s contributions, both during her lifetime and through current attacks, her story continues to inspire us to transform the world and ourselves.
Johnson was described by her close friend Sylvia Rivera as having eyes that were a gift. These eyes allowed her to see beyond the harsh realities she and her community faced, envisioning a better future.
In 1963, Johnson moved from Elizabeth, N.J. to New York City’s 42nd Street to pursue her Broadway dreams and connect with the gay community. There, she met Rivera, who was 13 and had been rejected by her family. Rivera’s mother had passed away, and she was sent to live with her grandmother, who disapproved of her gender and sexual expression. Many young people found themselves in similar situations, creating lives in Sheridan Square, Christopher Street, and the city’s hidden corners due to family rejection and societal exile.
Johnson became a maternal figure for these young people, offering guidance and unconditional love. She felt responsible for her street community, gathering in affordable hourly hotels. Despite the often unbearable heat, they dreamed of a world free from exile, police harassment, where they could be safe, seen, and loved.
The difficult conditions Johnson faced cannot be overstated. However, through community building and love, she accomplished significant feats, including co-founding the , which provided housing for trans people, touring internationally as a performance artist and singer, and inspiring artists like .
Johnson’s achievements stemmed from her belief in joy as a catalyst for dreams and imagination, drawing strength from community and resources. These are freedom dreams that thrive not in comfort, but in the face of overwhelming challenges.
In 2025, we face our own set of hardships. Fear, uncertainty, and violence are prevalent. However, Johnson’s legacy encourages us to look beyond these circumstances and see the world being created by our children, who are the ones through .
Children possess an innate capacity for joy. They see the world as it could be, mirroring Johnson’s vision. Nurturing their joy, imagination, and authenticity is our duty as parents and caregivers, and a way of honoring Johnson’s legacy.
By teaching our children about love, abundance, and connection, we empower their imagination, joy, and authenticity. Johnson embraced herself fully, knowing she was a promise, not a problem. We must protect and support our children so they can maintain this self-knowledge and build a better world.
Personally, studying Johnson has taught me that dreaming is a discipline. In a time when trans stories are being censored and trans joy is under attack, Johnson’s example shows us that we should shine brighter when the world tries to dim our light. That acts of laughter, care, performance and giving are political.
The world we desire, where every child feels safe and celebrated, begins in our imagination. And imagination is powerful.
“`