Memory work is resistance, and that is what makes history for the LGBTQ+ community so important.
Throughout history, the narrative of queer women has often been overshadowed, erased, or marginalized. Yet, their journeys and contributions have left a permanent mark on society. For this Women’s History Month, we celebrated six queer women whose bravery, ingenuity, and resilience have shaped history and inspired generations.
Marsha P. Johnson, A Trailblazer of LGBTQ+ Rights
Credit: womenshistory.org
Marsha P. Johnson, an African American transgender woman, stands as a symbol of resistance and activism in the LGBTQ+ community. She was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, as well as an advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, HIV/AIDS awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her founding role in the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of transgender people. Johnson’s legacy transcends her activism, resonating as a beacon of hope and empowerment for queer communities worldwide.
Billie Holiday, Jazz Icon and Defiant Spirit
Credit: wikimedia.org.
Billie Holiday, renowned for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, navigated a tumultuous life marked by discrimination and hardship. Behind the jazz legend’s captivating performances lay a complex identity that defied societal norms. Bisexual and unapologetically herself, Holiday’s music served as a channel for personal expression and social commentary. Through songs like “Strange Fruit,” she confronted issues of racism and injustice, leaving an enduring impact on the fight for civil rights and queer visibility.
Sappho, Poet of Love and Desire
Credit: Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene. Photo by Simeon Solomon - Tate Britain, Public Domain.
In ancient Greece, Sappho’s lyrical works captured the essence of love and desire, transcended gender and convention, and revolutionized poetry. Revered as the “Tenth Muse” and “The Poetess,” Sappho celebrated female beauty and passion in verses that reverberate across millennia. One of her most famous works, “Ode to Aphrodite,” is written in her own poetic form of seven Sapphic stanzas. Her profound influence on literature and culture endures, affirming the beauty and validity of queer love in all its forms.
Roberta Cowell, Pioneering Transgender Advocate
Credit: Roberta Cowell. Fair use, via Wikimedia Commons.
Roberta Cowell, a British racing driver and World War II pilot, made history as one of the first known transgender women to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Despite societal prejudice and personal struggles, Cowell courageously embraced her true identity, challenging prevailing attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Her autobiography, “Robert to Roberta,” candidly chronicled her journey, offering insight into the complexities of transgender experience and paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance.
Frida Kahlo, Artist of Authenticity and Resilience
Credit: Frida Kahlo. Photo by Guillermo Kahlo, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter and openly queer woman whose vibrant art and unapologetic self-expression continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond her iconic self-portraits, Kahlo’s work embodies themes of identity, pain, and passion, reflecting her bisexual identity. She would often wear men’s clothing and defied cultural norms. Despite enduring physical and emotional hardships, Kahlo’s art serves as a testament to resilience and the power of embracing one’s true self.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Champion of Equality and Justice
Credit: womenshistory.org.
Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, left an indelible legacy as a tireless advocate for human rights and social justice. While her romantic relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok remains a subject of historical debate, Roosevelt’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion transcends labels and categories. As a driving force behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she championed the rights of women, minorities, and marginalized communities, leaving an enduring impact on the quest for equality and dignity for all.
The lives of these queer women remind us of the richness and diversity of the human experience, inspiring us to embrace our own identities and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. As we continue to commemorate LGBTQ+ history, let us amplify the voices of those who have paved the way and allow it to inspire us to continue our work towards a future of queer joy.
This story is in collaboration with PRISM, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida.
