First Christopher Street Liberation Day March, 1970 (1970-06-28) by Leonard FinkThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights has a rich history paved by brave individuals and groups. From the Stonewall riots to ongoing battles for equality, these activists pushed the movement forward. Scroll on to learn more about these leaders of change.
Marsha P. Johnson at the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, 1974 (1974-06-30) by Leonard FinkThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
1. Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson, a gay rights activist and drag queen, was a key figure in the Stonewall riots. She co-founded the activist group STAR with Sylvia Rivera and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front.
Sylvia Rivera and Bebe Scarpi/Scarpinato at Gay Liberation Front's Demonstration at Bellevue Hospital, 1970 (1970) by Richard C. WandelThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
2. Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera, a transgender activist at Stonewall, championed LGBTQ+ rights, especially for the marginalized. She co-founded a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, leaving a powerful legacy of inclusivity.
STAR at the Fourth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March, 1973 (1973) by Richard C. WandelThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
3. STAR: Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries
Founded by Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, STAR was a radical group fighting for transgender rights, especially transgender women of color. They provided housing and support services.
Gay Activists Alliance at the 1971 Gay Pride March, 1971 (1971-06-27) by Richard C. WandelThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
4. The Gay Activists Alliance
Formed in 1969 after Stonewall, the GAA was a major early LGBTQ rights group in New York City. They focused on lobbying for legal changes and educating the public.
Marchers from Washington, D.C. at Christopher Street Liberation Day March, 1970 (1970) by Rudy GrilloThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
5. Mattachine Society
Founded in 1950, the Mattachine Society was one of the earliest LGBTQ rights organizations in the US. They aimed for social acceptance of homosexuality through respectful actions.
