Ask Making History with Marsha P. Johnson Introduction How many of us can say we inspired a movement so much that there was an institute established in our name to defend the human rights of brown and black transgender people? The Marsha P Johnson Institute (MPJI) was created as a result of the fearless, pioneering efforts of Marsha, who was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. When I first heard Marsha’s story, it sent chills down my spine to see such a fearless level of ACTION during such an unpredictable time. Johnson fought tirelessly for gay liberation and was an activist of the truest kind. Not long after the 1992 pride parade, Marsha’s body was found in the Hudson River and the all-too familiar fight for justice began for a serious investigation into Marsha’s untimely death. To this day, the fight for justice in Marsha’s tragic passing spurs on but trust me when I say, there is so much to be learned from the story of Marsha’s life as well.
Pay It No Mind
Marsha’s tenacity & deliberate decision to draw a very clear line and never waiver. I can only imagine how many times people tested the theory and continued to prod even after being given a modest and respectful answer much like they do today. So what happens next? We take it up a notch! My boundary line does not change because others want it to. One thing we know is that oppression is unnatural. It literally goes against every grain in our bodies for us to be treated less than human for any reason at all.
Johnson decided on the drag name “Marsha P. Johnson” and proudly reminded everyone that the “P” stood for “pay it no mind” and would share this fact anytime questioned about gender. Never be afraid to set
So DO NOT stand for this behavior. Don’t allow someone to make you uncomfortable or pester you for anything. And don’t ever be afraid to speak OUT. Life is literally what
boundaries, especially where society tells you you
you make it and it is possible to limit trauma by accepting
shouldn’t. We decide what questions we want to answer, what discussions we are comfortable having and just who
less of what doesn’t serve you. We know when someone wants to share a heartfelt discussion just like we can tell
we share our stories with. I’m encouraged by
when someone is trying to antagonize. My life, my
