6.1 Marsha P. Johnson and drag performance
4 min read•august 19, 2024
, a Black transgender activist, played a crucial role in the Stonewall uprising and LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her involvement in drag performance and activism challenged gender norms and brought visibility to marginalized communities in 1960s-70s New York City.
Johnson's legacy as a pioneering trans rights advocate continues to inspire future generations. Her work highlights the ongoing fight for equality and justice, especially for transgender individuals who still face discrimination and violence today.
Marsha P. Johnson
Early life and struggles
Top images from around the web for Early life and struggles
La statua Marsha P. Johnson sostuirà quella di Cristoforo Colombo View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride Month: What is the colour of my #PRIDE? | UCT News View original
Is this image relevant?
#leimeritaspazio: Marsha P. Johnson, la combattente - Bossy View original
Is this image relevant?
La statua Marsha P. Johnson sostuirà quella di Cristoforo Colombo View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride Month: What is the colour of my #PRIDE? | UCT News View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Early life and struggles
La statua Marsha P. Johnson sostuirà quella di Cristoforo Colombo View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride Month: What is the colour of my #PRIDE? | UCT News View original
Is this image relevant?
#leimeritaspazio: Marsha P. Johnson, la combattente - Bossy View original
Is this image relevant?
La statua Marsha P. Johnson sostuirà quella di Cristoforo Colombo View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride Month: What is the colour of my #PRIDE? | UCT News View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Born Malcolm Michaels Jr. in 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey faced discrimination and bullying from a young age due to gender nonconformity
- Left home at 17 and moved to New York City's Greenwich Village, a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals but still faced homelessness and harassment
- Worked as a sex worker to survive and began experimenting with drag, finding community and self-expression
Stonewall uprising involvement
- Present at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969 when police raided the bar, a common occurrence at LGBTQ+ establishments at the time
- Joined in the resistance against police brutality and discrimination, becoming a key figure in the uprising that catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement
- Accounts vary on her specific actions, but her presence and leadership during the multi-day uprising is undisputed
Gay Liberation Front activism
- Became involved with the shortly after Stonewall, an organization focused on militant activism for LGBTQ+ rights
- Participated in protests, marches, and political actions with GLF to demand equality and challenge societal norms
- Used her charisma and boldness to rally others and bring attention to the cause
Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR)
- Co-founded STAR with fellow activist in 1970 to address issues faced by homeless LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers
- Provided shelter, food, and support for those most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community
- Advocated for transgender rights and inclusion within the larger gay rights movement, which often excluded trans voices
Drag performance
Drag as art form
- Drag involves dressing and performing as the opposite gender, often with exaggerated makeup, hair, and clothing styles
- Requires skills in costuming, makeup artistry, and performance to create a fully realized character
- Allows for creative self-expression and exploration of gender identity
Subversive political statement
- In the 1960s-70s, drag was a way to challenge rigid gender norms and expectations in a society hostile to LGBTQ+ people
- Dressing in drag in public was a defiant act that asserted the right to exist and be seen
- Drag performances often mocked and critiqued societal norms and oppression, using humor and satire as political commentary
Marsha's drag persona
- Marsha's drag persona "" was known for her outrageous, colorful looks and joyful, uninhibited performances
- Often wore flowers and fruit in her hair and incorporated political statements into her costumes
- Used her platform as a performer to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and challenge oppression
New York City drag scene
Drag culture in 1960s-70s
- Despite criminalization and police harassment, drag balls and performances thrived in underground clubs and bars in NYC
- Drag competitions featured different categories like "" and ""
- Drag houses formed, providing chosen families and support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals
Influential venues and events
- The Stonewall Inn was a popular gathering place for drag queens and trans women of color
- Annual events like the Queen's Ball and Miss All-America Camp Beauty Pageant celebrated drag artistry
- Theaters like showcased avant-garde drag performances
Marsha's contemporaries and community
- Marsha was part of a vibrant community of drag performers, many of whom were also activists
- Contemporaries included Sylvia Rivera, Stormé DeLarverie, and Flawless Sabrina
- Drag houses like the and House of Xtravaganza provided support and family structures
Intersection of drag and activism
Challenging gender norms
- Drag inherently challenges binary notions of gender by playing with and subverting traditional roles and presentation
- Marsha and other activists used drag to assert the validity and humanity of gender nonconforming individuals
- Pushed back against respectability politics within the LGBTQ+ movement that sought to downplay drag and transgender identities
Visibility for LGBTQ+ rights
- Drag performances and personalities brought visibility to LGBTQ+ people and issues in a time of mainstream media silence
- Unapologetic, highly visible drag queens like Marsha refused to be ignored or shamed by society
- Drag as a form of public art and protest made LGBTQ+ struggles harder for the mainstream to avoid
Drag as vehicle for social change
- Benefit performances and drag revues often raised money for LGBTQ+ causes and community support
- Drag shows created spaces for political organizing, information-sharing, and movement-building
- Many drag activists used their platform to speak out against oppression and advocate for change
Legacy and impact
Pioneering trans rights advocacy
- Marsha was one of the first high-profile advocates for transgender rights and inclusion, paving the way for future activists
- Worked to address issues like homelessness, police brutality, and healthcare access for trans people
- Helped make transgender identity and struggles more visible within the larger LGBTQ+ movement
Inspiring future generations
- Marsha's fearlessness, creativity, and commitment to justice continue to inspire LGBTQ+ people and allies today
- Her life and work are frequently cited and honored by activists, artists, and community members
- Documentaries, artworks, and organizations carry on her name and legacy
Ongoing fight for equality and justice
- Despite progress, transgender people, particularly trans women of color, still face disproportionate levels of violence, discrimination, and marginalization
- Marsha's intersectional approach to activism, centering those most vulnerable, remains vitally relevant
- Contemporary LGBTQ+ activists continue the work Marsha began, fighting for equity, inclusion, and liberation for all
Key Terms to Review (25)
Act Up: Act Up is a grassroots, direct-action activist organization formed in the 1980s to advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS and to promote awareness of the crisis. The group is known for its bold and provocative tactics, including public protests and art interventions, to challenge government inaction and societal stigma surrounding the epidemic. By employing creative methods, Act Up aimed to not only bring attention to the AIDS crisis but also to influence policy change and promote healthcare access for marginalized communities.
Black marsha: Black Marsha refers to the significant cultural and political legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, and performer who was instrumental in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The term emphasizes her dual identity as both a Black woman and a drag performer, highlighting the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in the context of queer activism.
Butch queen first time in drag: The term 'butch queen first time in drag' refers to a specific identity within LGBTQ+ culture, particularly in drag and ballroom communities. It typically describes a young, masculine-presenting individual, often gay, who is new to the experience of performing in drag, embracing femininity and gender fluidity for the first time. This concept highlights the intersection of gender performance and identity exploration, allowing individuals to express themselves outside societal norms.
Drag Queen Story Hour: Drag Queen Story Hour is a program that invites drag queens to read children's books to young audiences, promoting inclusivity and diversity while challenging traditional gender norms. This initiative emphasizes the importance of representation and encourages children to embrace their individuality through playful and creative expression.
Feminist performance theory: Feminist performance theory is a framework that examines how performance art and theater reflect, challenge, and reshape gender roles and societal norms. It emphasizes the significance of the body as a site of political expression and explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and identity in performance. This theory connects deeply with the cultural practices of marginalized communities, revealing how performance can be a powerful medium for feminist activism and representation.
Femme queen realness: Femme queen realness refers to a performance aesthetic in drag culture where a performer, often a transgender woman or a drag queen embodying femininity, presents themselves with the utmost authenticity and sophistication to be perceived as a 'real' woman. This concept emphasizes the blending of elements of femininity, beauty standards, and gender expression, challenging societal norms around gender and sexuality.
Gay liberation front (glf): The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was an influential activist organization founded in 1969 that aimed to achieve equality and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. It emerged as a response to the Stonewall Riots, advocating for visibility, pride, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. The GLF played a significant role in shaping the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement by promoting radical change and social justice for queer communities.
Gender-bending: Gender-bending refers to the practice of challenging and subverting traditional gender norms by presenting oneself in a manner that mixes or defies conventional male and female characteristics. This can include clothing, behavior, and identity expressions that blur the lines of gender, often seen in performance art, particularly within drag culture. It plays a vital role in questioning societal expectations around gender and promoting inclusivity.
House of Labeija: The House of Labeija is one of the most famous ballroom houses in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly recognized for its significant contributions to drag culture and performance art. Founded in the early 1980s by legendary performer and activist, Walter Labeija, this house provided a sense of belonging and family for queer individuals, often marginalized by society. It became a safe haven where members could express themselves through drag and performance, as well as engage in the vibrant ballroom scene that celebrated creativity and individuality.
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club: La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club is a renowned cultural institution in New York City that focuses on avant-garde and experimental performances. Established in 1961 by Ellen Stewart, La MaMa has played a crucial role in nurturing queer art and performance, providing a platform for emerging artists and innovative works that challenge conventional narratives, including those centered around drag performance and activism.
Lgbtq+ activism in art: LGBTQ+ activism in art refers to the use of artistic expression as a means of advocating for the rights, visibility, and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. This activism often confronts societal norms and challenges discrimination through various forms of art, including visual arts, performance, and literature. By intertwining activism with creativity, artists aim to foster understanding, raise awareness, and inspire social change within the broader cultural landscape.
Lip-sync performance: Lip-sync performance is an artistic expression where a performer mimics the vocal track of a song or audio recording while appearing to sing it live. This form of performance often emphasizes theatricality, exaggeration, and costume, allowing the performer to convey emotion and personality without the constraints of live singing. In the context of drag, it becomes a powerful medium for self-expression and subversion of traditional gender norms.
Marsha P. Johnson: Marsha P. Johnson was an African American transgender activist and drag performer, renowned for her pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969 and her lifelong commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Her vibrant personality and bold style challenged societal norms, particularly through her performances in drag, which highlighted both the struggle and joy within the queer community. Johnson's legacy continues to inspire conversations around intersectionality and the importance of visibility in activism.
Marsha P. Johnson's performances: Marsha P. Johnson's performances were vibrant expressions of drag that played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement during the late 20th century. Her performances combined humor, activism, and art, using drag as a means to challenge societal norms and advocate for marginalized communities. Johnson's work is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its ability to bring attention to issues like police brutality, discrimination, and the need for inclusivity within the queer community.
Performance as resistance: Performance as resistance refers to the act of using performance art, including theater, dance, and drag, as a form of activism to challenge social norms, fight against oppression, and assert marginalized identities. This concept highlights how creative expression can be a powerful tool for political and social change, often confronting societal issues like gender, sexuality, and race through embodied practices. By transforming personal narratives into public performances, artists can critique existing power structures and create spaces for dialogue and understanding.
Pride Parades: Pride parades are public celebrations that promote the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities, often featuring vibrant displays of art, music, and performance. These events serve as a powerful expression of identity and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and history. Pride parades typically take place annually, commemorating significant events in LGBTQ+ history, such as the Stonewall Riots, and highlighting the ongoing struggles for equality and recognition.
Queer aesthetics: Queer aesthetics refers to artistic expressions and visual styles that challenge traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and identity. It embraces fluidity, subversion, and the exploration of marginalized perspectives, often through unconventional forms and narratives that highlight the complexities of queer experiences.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic field that emerged in the early 1990s, focusing on the study of gender and sexuality from a critical perspective. It challenges traditional norms and categories surrounding identity, emphasizing the fluidity of gender and sexual orientation. This approach connects to various forms of expression and activism, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in understanding the complexities of identity.
Reading: In the context of drag performance, 'reading' refers to the art of delivering sharp, witty insults or playful critiques aimed at an individual, often as a form of comedic entertainment. This practice is integral to drag culture, emphasizing humor and the ability to improvise, and it serves to build community by fostering camaraderie among performers and audiences alike.
Shade: In the context of drag performance, shade refers to a subtle or clever insult directed towards someone, often used humorously or playfully. It serves as a form of social commentary within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among drag queens, who utilize wit and sarcasm to express opinions about one another, society, or themselves. Shade reflects the complexities of identity and performance, highlighting both competition and camaraderie in drag culture.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. These events are widely considered a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, influencing numerous aspects of queer art, activism, and identity.
Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR): Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) was a radical activist group formed in the early 1970s in New York City, primarily by drag queens and transgender individuals. The organization aimed to support and uplift marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those facing homelessness and discrimination. STAR is closely linked to Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who were pivotal figures advocating for the rights of transgender people through drag performance and street activism.
Subversion of gender norms: The subversion of gender norms refers to actions, performances, or expressions that challenge and disrupt traditional expectations regarding gender roles and behaviors. This concept is often explored through various forms of art and performance, where individuals or groups reject societal norms associated with masculinity and femininity, creating space for new identities and ways of being. By highlighting the fluidity of gender, this subversion seeks to question and redefine what it means to be gendered in society.
Sylvia Rivera: Sylvia Rivera was a Venezuelan-American activist and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, especially known for her role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. She co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Marsha P. Johnson, which aimed to support homeless transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Rivera's activism was pivotal in bringing attention to the struggles faced by transgender people, particularly those of color, in a time when their issues were often overlooked.
The House of Xtravaganza: The House of Xtravaganza is a prominent drag house that emerged in New York City during the 1980s, known for its vibrant contributions to the ballroom culture and LGBTQ+ community. The house played a crucial role in providing support, mentorship, and a sense of belonging to its members, many of whom were marginalized individuals seeking refuge and acceptance. This house is particularly associated with the art of drag performance, showcasing extravagant costumes and fierce competitions.