Welcome to Litsy!

“What does a greater sense of freedom look like?” Marsha, “Freedom is me.” Good, easy to read memoir that highlights all of the social & disability justice movements that Marsha started or was actively involved in during her lifetime. I vaguely knew who she was from the Stonewall Riots. I‘m happy that I had the chance to learn more about her. She is not only an important figure in LGBTQ+ history but to US history as well.

Black trans artist and activist Tourmaline tells the story of the life of pioneering trans activist Marsha P Johnson, including her role in the Stonewall riot. It‘s a lovely book and the author‘s love and respect for her subject really shines through. It‘s good to see examples of LGBT+ historical figures for clear proof that they‘ve always been here.

Well researched and easy to read. I do wish we had gotten more dates (or just her age), I had a bit of a time figuring out exactly how old Marsha was during some events. I had to look it up, she was 23 when she started the Stonewall Riot. A true legend. Marsha did not have an easy life, but she lived the most authentic one she could. I learned a lot, and liked how Tourmaline really set the stage for what was going on around Marsha.

Marsha by Andy Warhol
MPJ ran in amazing circles. She was driven to be an actress as well as an activist, which threw her into the lives of artistic people
Title: Ladies and Gentlemen - 1965

#weeklyforecast

I am thrilled to get into this biography of Marsha P Johnson. There is so much about her I do not know, also in biographies I got an ARC of the new Tupac Only God Can Judge Me which is starting really heavy on his mom which I am interested to learn more about her. I have Cutting For Stone on 🎧 it has been on my shelf for years!
And starting #Camplitsy25 last July select!
I am so excited for this reading lineup.

What an inspiring biography!

I knew this trans woman threw the first brick at the Stonewall riot, but I didn‘t realize she was a nationally known stage performer & such a driving force of community care networks for ostracized and demonized populations.

This author exhibits both kindness and transparency in portraying Marsha P Johnson, as a complex, generous, big hearted, and deeply mentally ill person.

All nonfiction all the time this weekend #WeekendReads

Had a little time at the coffee shop today to start this biography of Marsha P. Johnson

Everyone knows her as the person who threw the first brick at Stonewall but this biography breathes life into Marsha's story She was so much more than a historical anecdote! From feeding and housing folks in her community through her STAR organization to providing dedicated care to many suffering from AIDS to being a vibrant and vital member of marches and vigils across the decades, Marsha was a force and inspiration whose light continues to shine