Women’s History Month has always aimed to celebrate the glory of womanhood and the accomplishments of a marginalized group, and in doing this it must continue to  praise all women. While historically it has only been cis white women who have had their accomplishments recognized, thanks to the bravery and passion of activists around the globe more and more people are waking up to the incredible trail-blazers in both communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community. The focus of today’s article is a member of both and is one of the most present voices in the advocacy of trans rights. This week’s spotlight: Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. 

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, or more commonly known just as Miss Major, was born on October 25, 1940, in the South Side, Chicago. The city had a thriving queer community that remained vibrant even in the shadows cast upon it by a hetronormative society. One such extravaganza were the drag balls, an event relegated underground in which hundreds of  largely Latin American and African American members of the LGBTQ+ community would dress lavishly and in pride while competing for different awards. Miss Major was a frequent participant, and in a 1998 interview said of them “[The drag balls] were phenomenal! It was like going to the Oscars show today. Everybody dressed up. Guys in tuxedos, queens in gowns that you would not believe- I mean, things they would have been working on all year.” Here, she would observe first hand of the pulsing colors and unparalleled passion beheld by the trans community and drag queens.

It wasn’t all fabulous costumes and underground dances, though. Like all too many trans women of color. Miss Major struggled in a society that actively oppressed every fiber of who she is. Forced to get hormones off the black market, Miss Major suffered obstacle after obstacle, including prolonged homelessness which would lead to her dabbling in illegal activities to stay afloat. The bigotry she encountered was loud and reoccurring, leading to her being expelled from two colleges in consequence of her refusing to mask her identity as a trans woman. However, upon her move to New York, there was one place in which Miss Major could fully express herself- Stonewall Inn. 

The story of Stonewall, a bar that’s prominent visitation by those in the LGBTQ+ community had inspired frequent police raids, is one of immense recognition and importance. But for Miss Major, it wasn’t just a story, but a deeply impactful experience as she served as a leader in the riots. Although the riots culminated in Miss Major being struck by an officer and arrested, it would be the start in a long journey of leadership for Miss Griffin-Gracy. One of the most profound efforts executed by Miss Major was her diligent work during the AIDS/HIV epidemic. She would serve in a variety of organizations aimed at aiding those struck with the disease, such as the Tenderloins AIDS Research Center. Moreover, the unstoppable activist would help found the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP), which works to help disporpotionatly incarcerated trans women of color. 

At 80 years old, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy continues to work fiercely for the equality of cis and queer people of color alike. Her voice has yet to waver, but instead serves as the yell heard around the nation for others to speak and join the fight for a societal embracement of trans women and men. This Women’s History Month, we thank Miss Major, and the thousands of trans activists like her, that have made sure that equal rights are not just a dream, but a promise.