Marsha. The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson

“Thank god the revolution has begun, honey.” So said Marsha P. Johnson—Black, transgender, fearless, and fabulous. Rumored to have thrown the first brick at the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, Marsha embodied the bold spirit of early LGBTQ+ resistance with charisma, defiance, and flair. Despite her pivotal role in gay liberation, her full story has never been told—until now.

Written by Black trans artist and activist Tourmaline, Marsha brings this legendary figure to life with vivid prose and nearly two decades of research. From her 1950s New Jersey childhood to radical drag performances and AIDS activism, Marsha was more than a protestor—she was a muse, a mentor, and a magnetic cultural force. This book honors her full, riotous life and secures her place as a true icon of liberation.