Ask Marshay

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

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 boundaries, especially where society tells you you shouldn’t. We decide what questions we want to answer, what discussions we are comfortable having and just who we share our stories with. I’m encouraged by 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. 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 you make it and it is possible to limit trauma by accepting

less of what doesn’t serve you. We know when someone wants to share a heartfelt discussion just like we can tell

rules, my way...thank you Marsha!

Crown Your Damn Self

Marsha was known for wearing crowns made of fresh flowers. As I research pictures from random moments in Marsha’s life, I keep seeing this pattern and I think of how Marsha’s teaching us a critical lesson here. Why wait for someone else to “crown” you and acknowledge your accomplishments/worthiness? I know how hard it can be to feel “worthy” but imagine how beautiful life would be if we all decided our

worth for ourselves?

Many don’t know Marsha struggled with mental health issues, as a lot of us do. Being black or brown in this life presents a person with a unique set of challenges that not many others face or even understand looking in from the outside. So get the professional help you need but also remember not to be too hard on

yourself. I have yet to look at a picture of Marsha P Johnson and see a mentally ill individual looking back. Marsha didn’t wear these stigmas and neither should we. Think of it as your obstacle course being impossibly set and created for you to fail but you don’t...you get through it anyway. You will encounter effects that will go beyond your ability to reconcile with them all on your own but grace and patience is key here. Look yourself in the mirror, affirm that you’re doing the very best you can, then take a DEEP breath

in...slowly breathing it out and finally, lacing your crown of flowers about your royal head. In this

moment, we honor Marsha for reminding us to stop and smell the roses with which we crown our selves

Onward March

Marsha was so bold in the face of adversity, I can only hope to see this level of action among the masses because it instantly brings change. However you can make history, find your avenue and MAKE IT HAPPEN! Inaction births more of the same and we can learn this

lesson from Marsha’s story in it’s entirety. If Stonewall hadn’t happened, would some of us even be here? If Marsha never marched in the first ever gay pride rally on June 29, 1970, is it safe to say certain liberties wouldn’t be available to us today? Yes! It is safe to also say that your actions today matter for those coming after you. This is why we fight. This is why we remember those murdered in cold blood for no reason at all, this is why we protest and demand justice for those who have gone ignored for so long. I believe there is a great shift happening in the human conscience as a whole. I believe in good karma and in penance. One day, I pray I get to see all the senseless violence against our communities come to a permanent end but, sadly, prayer is not enough. Deep breathing alone is also not enough. We have to keep pushing forward no matter what lies ahead. We must always know inside of us that there’s truly nothing to be afraid of, especially if you’re convinced you’d rather live on your feet than die on your knees. We honor Marsha as well as all the other lives lost

in this great battle for justice and equality on every level. And we will never stop!

Citations: “The Marsha P Johnson Institute” https:// marshap.org/about-mpji/ “Marsha P Johnson” https:// en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_P._Johnson

pictures from that time. It completely stuns me to hear stories about how difficult times were during Marsha’s time on this earth and yet, in almost every picture all you see is a bright, unencumbered smile! Believe it or not, we’re living in a very revolutionary time right now and I’m sure our children coming after us will reflect on our experiences and say the very same. I don’t know what you’re facing, I don’t know the answers to every question and I don’t pretend to. What I do know is you were made to be brilliant. We were all made to shine like stars guiding each other through the darkest of nights. It should be clear now more than ever how bad we truly need one another. I hope this year has reminded you no one can disarm you of your peace. I hope every chance you get, you remember to smile unencumbered as a way of honoring Marsha for the sacrifices made for all of us to be here carrying the torch. Take care of yourself but also remember to take care of the ones you love and recognize are special to you. We’re much stronger when we stand together as a force instead of being divided appearing as seemingly “easier” targets. Rest in precious peace, Marsha...your life was not lived in vain!

Sincerely & Eternally Yours, ~Marshay

Need Advice? Email your questions about love, life & entanglements to: AskMarshay.BlaqueOut@gmail.com & you might see it answered in an upcoming issue of Blaque/Out Mag!!