johnson was born in elizabeth, new jersey on august 24, 1945. they wer one of seven children. their father, malcolm michaels sr, worked for general motors. their mother, 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.