Black LBGTQ History Icons
A leader of the Stonewall Riots. According to several eyewitnesses, Marsha was the one who âreally started itâ. She was âin the middle of the whole thing, screaming and yelling and throwing rocks and almost like Molly Pitcher in the Revolution or somethingâ
Dedicated her life to activism:
Co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (later renamed Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries)
Ensured that the young drag queens, trans women and other street kids on Christopher Street were fed and clothed. Marsha also housed them whenever she could.Â
In the 1980s, she was an activist and organizer in ACT UP.Â
Also a leader in the Stonewall Riots - has been identified as the âbutch lesbian that threw the first punchâ against the police officers.
Several eye-witnesses recollections also recognize her as the cross-dressing lesbian that yelled âwhy donât you guys do somethingâ at the bystanders that evoked the reaction from them that helped make Stonewall a defining moment in history.
Unofficially worked at gay bars who otherwise couldnât afford security.
Was a leading strategist of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement between 1955-1968:
The formidable behind the scenes figure of the civil rights movement who organized the March on Washington
Through his influence, the civil rights leadership adopted a non-violent stance.
Is and was often overlooked in African-American history because of the publicâs discomfort with his sexual orientation.
Supported LGBTQ rights and movements.
Was posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Another leader in the Stonewall Riots.
Has been involved in community efforts since 1978. She has worked at local food banks, provide services for trans women suffering from addiction or homelessness. During the AIDS epidemic she also provided healthcare and funeral services.
Is currently serving as the Executive Director for the Transgender GenderVariant Intersex Justice Project, working to assist transgender persons who are disproportionately incarcerated under a prison-industrial complex.
At the young age of 22, Alvin AIley became Artistic Directer for the Horton Dance Company where he choreographed as well as directed scenes and costume designs.
Formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 1958 but continued to choreograph for other companies.
Aileyâs signature works prominently reflects his Black pride.
Is credited for popularizing modern dance.Â
Was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Feel free to add anyone Iâve missed!
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