The theme of Black History Month 2024 is reclaiming narratives. It encourages us to look at figures in Black history who have not fully received the respect and appreciation that they deserve. At Caring in Bristol, we’re focusing on one such figure, Marsha P. Johnson.

Marsha is an important person not only in Black history, but in its intersection with LGBTQ+ history. She was part of the uprising following the Stonewall Riots (New York City, 1969) which pushed forward the fight for liberation and equality in the United States, and beyond. This journey is still ongoing, but her visibility, voice, and activism made significant contributions to this progress – a contribution that is little recognised today, even in many LGBTQ+ communities.

Pioneering Homelessness Activist

Marsha experienced homelessness throughout her life; one aspect of her activism was around addressing the immediate needs of young trans people who were experiencing homelessness. This was a significant issue that Marsha and her peers recognised, seeing an influx of young people pushed out onto the street having been rejected because their sexuality and gender identities didn’t conform to mainstream constructs or expectations. This resulted in the formation of the first youth shelter for young people in the USA. This became known as the STAR House, which Marsha supported alongside her peers, including Sylvia Rivera.

Urgent and Immediate Need

STAR was an acronym for Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. From a historical perspective it is important to note that today’s term trans was not in use, and without rewriting events we would today understand that STARs activity was around advancing rights and protections for members of the trans community. The precursor to STAR House was a makeshift affair, utilising an abandoned trailer vehicle, such was the urgent and immediate need for shelter by the young people that found a place there. Later the use of a house was secured, however this second incarnation of the STAR House was short-lived, with the residents being evicted after only eight months. Following this the house existed in a variety of forms and places, and Marsha continued to speak out and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth.

Supportive Community

Marsha’s contribution to the STAR House helped to clothe and feed young people, frequently at her expense. It created a supportive community in a hostile and unaccepting environment. It provided them with a means to survival. Her wider work challenged that environment, and it is fair to say that she is a trailblazer in both trans and LGBTQ+ history. Her place in Black history is undeniable, too.

Marsha’s friend, also involved in STAR’s campaigning activities, was Sylvia Rivera. In a 1998 interview with Leslie Feinberg at Workers’ World, she described Marsha’s absolute determination to help people experiencing homelessness. She said, “STAR was for the street gay people, the street homeless people and anybody that needed help at that time. Marsha and I had always sneaked people into our hotel rooms. Marsha and I decided to get a building. We were trying to get away from the Mafia's control at the bars.”

Safe Places and Acceptance

At Caring in Bristol, we recognise the vital importance of addressing homelessness, particularly on a systemic level where particular communities face additional barriers. Marsha’s activism shone a light on this. Today our projects, and services such as Project Z and the Z House provide safe places for young people experiencing and facing homelessness. One aspect of this safety is the positive acceptance of people or colour, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. We know how vital this is, and it is embodied in our approach to everything that we do.

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