Marsha P. Johnson: podcast appearances and interviews

Marsha P. Johnson was an American LGBTQ activist, sex worker, and performer recognized for her significant contributions to the transgender rights movement. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she was notable for her involvement in the Stonewall riots and her work with Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization she helped to establish that offered food and shelter for transgender youth. She was also known for her participation in events such as the Weinstein Hall occupation and her activism in response to the AIDS crisis. Johnson was frequently seen wearing women's clothing from a young age and became well known on 42nd Street in Times Square for her vibrant accessories and partial drag. After her death in 1992, her body was found floating in the Hudson River, leading to speculation regarding the circumstances of her passing. Her death initially was considered a suicide, but many believe she was either murdered or fell into the river accidentally. Throughout her life, she engaged in theatrical performances with groups like the Angels of Light and the Hot Peaches, and she cared for friends affected by AIDS, becoming an advocate during the early years of the pandemic. Johnson's legacy has inspired numerous tributes, memorials, and documentaries, including the films Pay It No Mind and The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson. Her life and contributions continue to be a subject of reflection and scholarly discussion, particularly within the context of mad and disability studies, acknowledging her struggles with mental health and interactions with societal institutions.