What is Marsha P. Johnson?
{{Infobox person | name = Marsha P. Johnson | image = https://www.biography.com/.image/t_share/MTUyMDk1MDAyNDMwODc1MTE4/marsha-p-johnson-1-1.jpg | birth_name = Malcolm Michaels Jr. | birth_date = August 24, 1945 | birth_place = Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. | death_date = July 6, 1992 (aged 46) | death_place = New York City, New York, U.S. | organization = S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) ACT Up | known_for = Gay and transgender rights activist, AIDS advocate, drag performer }} '''Marsha P. Johnson''' (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992) was an American gay and transgender rights activist. They are best known for participating in the Stonewall riots in 1969. A founding member of the Gay Liberation Front, Johnson co-founded the advocacy group S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), alongside their friend Sylvia Rivera. From 1987 through 1992, Johnson was an AIDS activist with ACT UP. == Early life == Johnson was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on August 24, 1945. They were one of seven children. Their father, Malcolm Michaels Sr, worked for General Motors. Their mother, Alberta Claiborne, was a housekeeper. Johnson attended an African Methodist Episcopal Church as a child. Johnson was very religious. They were very interested in Catholicism, and kept a private altar at home. Johnson began wearing dresses at the age of five but stopped due to bullying from boys in their neighborhood. Johnson did not come to terms with being gay until the age of 17. Their mother was reportedly very homophobic, but Johnson has said that their mother was unaware of the [[LGBT community]]. After graduating from high school, Johnson moved to Greenwich Village, New York on their own. They supported themself by waiting tables. After meeting other gay people in the city, Johnson gained the confidence to come out themself. == Working as a performer == Johnson began working as a drag queen after coming out as gay. They chose the dra