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Pride Month: Marsha “P for Pay no Mind” Johnson

Root Adventures Support Team

Marsha P. Johnson

It seems the world is viewed through rainbow-tinted glasses during Pride Month. “Love is Love” sketched across t-shirts, and flags representing identity appear in nearly every shop window and online browsing platform. Social media outlets display temporary logo designs incorporating the beloved rainbow icon. Who knew LinkedIn could look so good? Hyper-visibility is a significant step in the LGBTQIA+ movement, but at what point does this portrayal of allyship fade into gross corporate gain?

Before addressing that question, let us reflect on the origins of why we celebrate Pride Month. In recent US history, individuals that identified as members of the LGBTQIA+ communities were prosecuted, arrested, and even killed for expressing themselves. Throughout the ’50s-’60s, homosexuality was classified as a mental illness and illegal in 49 states. Millions lived in fear and kept their true selves at bay to better “fit” the societal standards of the time.

Gay bars became a beacon for homosexuals and non-gender conformists. One of the most notable being the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Despite these establishments being somewhat of a haven for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, they still faced threats of extortion, arrest, and discrimination. Police raids became more frequent at the Stonewall Inn and establishments like it. On June 28th, officers entered the club, roughing up patrons, arresting 13 people who violated the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute. This event led to the Stonewall Uprising, the single most galvanizing force for LGBTQIA+ activism. From this event, the Gay Liberation Front formed, spreading national awareness about the movement. A year following the event, the first-ever gay pride parade took place.

Marsha P. Johnson was a key figure in the stand against police that day and went on to become a transformational icon on the liberation front. Marsha considered herself a transvestite and drag queen, who were not commonly accepted in the gay and queer population at the time. Without family or community support, she often turned to sex work to escape homelessness and was arrested several times. After participating in the Stonewall Uprising, she helped form the Gay Liberation Front and later formed S.T.A.R. – Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. Her work advocated for the creation of safe spaces for transgendered people and those suffering from HIV. Her legacy is one of love, faith, acceptance, and courage.

Marsha is a symbol of revolution for the LGBTQIA+ movement. By remembering her sacrifice along with the countless others who risked their reputations and lives for the rights of a silenced community, we can better shape the decisions we make to continue to support the cause today. So, as you browse the Pride section at your favorite retailer, think of how far our society has come in the acceptance of a group, but also be aware of the rainbow-washing tactics most large companies use during this time.

Inform yourself on the products being purchased, and how they are helping the cause for human rights. Where are the proceeds going to? Who is benefiting from its manufacturing? What kind of relationship (if any) does the organization have with the LGBTQIA+ community? By asking these simple questions, we can enhance our support of Pride Month by making purchases that truly benefit the movement.

If you’d like to support LGBTQIA+-owned small businesses, here’s a brief list to get you started!

  • SUAY Sew Shop: Their home goods products and clothing are made from a combination of “post-consumer waste, deadstock and domestically, organically grown fibers.” They have diverted over 500,000 lbs. of garment waste from landfills since their conception in 2017. If you are looking for ethically sourced gay-owned home goods or garments, SUAY Sew Shop has a unique set of offerings for you!

  • Bianca Designs: Run by Bianca Negrin - A Queer Latinx artist, Bianca Designs sells artfully crafted accessories and T-shirts celebrating LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and pride. A portion of the proceeds from the Love Knows No Gender line is donated to organizations like the Trans Women of Color Collective and The Trevor Project.

  • Otherwild: Founded by a queer woman, Otherwild provides clothing and household items steeped in pride visibility. Otherwild donates proceeds to Planned Parenthood, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The Lesbian Herstory Archives, and Black Lives Matter.

  • Wildfang: Offers a variety of casual and professional style clothing, accessories, and shoes for women. Co-founded by former Nike employees, Wildfang boasts its feminist-leaning business raising over $400,000 for charities supporting reproductive, immigrant, and human rights in 2018 alone.

If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of Pride month or the figures that have changed history, we encourage you to check out these books!