Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson

(Hardback)

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The first definitive biography of revolutionary activist Marsha P. Johnsonan iconic and trailblazing figure in LGBTQIA+ historyunveiling her life, profound impact, and enduring legacy.

Thank God the revolution has begun, honey.

Legend has it that after Marsha P. Johnson threw the first brick in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, she picked up a shard of broken mirror to fix her makeup. This fearless moment embodies both the beauty and violence of the early LGBTQ+ rights movementand the fabulous, tenacious charisma of Marsha herself.

Yet despite the fact that Marshas work as a gay liberation activist and drag queen helped spark the progress and continued protest we see today, there has been no definitive record of her life, loves, and lessons. Until now.

Written with verve and sparkling prose, Black trans leader Tourmaline brings this iconic, scandalous, vital justice warrior to life in full colour for the first time. Through nearly two decades of research and unprecedented access, Tourmaline has become Marshas leading archivist and handles her life and story with care, attention and a perfect dose of humour.

This book will take readers into Marshas childhood in New Jersey in the 1950s, to her dramatic and essential activism from the Stonewall Riots to the AIDS crisis, to her life creating radical art from the humblest means.

Marsha didnt wait to be freed; she declared herself free and told the world to catch up. MARSHA honours the fullness of her life and will give this remarkable figure her rightful place in history. Her story promises to inspire readers to live as their most liberated, unruly, vibrant, and whole selves.

Reviews

'This is a book for our times, full of inspiration, community, truth and at its core radical love.' Lena Dunham

'This long-overdue biography of Marsha P. Johnson is a revelation! With meticulous research and a tender touch, Tourmaline brings this groundbreaking activist to life, revealing her brilliance, her humor, and her unwavering dedication to freedom and our collective humanity.' Janet Mock, director and bestselling author of Redefining Realness

Tourmaline offers the first comprehensive biography of Johnsons life. New York Times

A vivid and rigorously researched portrait of the beloved activist, artist, and performer that will cement her place in our canon of revolutionary heroes. I am so grateful to Tourmaline for writing this beautiful book and transcribing this essential piece of queer history. Melissa Febos, bestselling author of Girlhood and Body Work

An enduring and urgent reminder from Marsha P. Johnson that history is not inevitable, it is made.' Meena Harris, bestselling author of Ambitious Girl

Tourmaline delivers the goods with a verve that will help all of us all pay Marsha some mind. Susan Stryker, author of Transgender History

'Tourmaline deftly weaves the story of Marsha P. Johnson with her own, inviting us into the life of a person who showed us what it looks like to truly live. It is the world that tells us we are extraordinary, when all we are doing is daring to live as ourselves. Through Marsha, Tourmaline shows us the more connected we are to our trans histories the more we will be able to dream our imagined trans futures into reality.' Tash Walker, writer, podcast producer, community organiser and queer historian

Author Bio

Tourmaline is an award-winning artist, filmmaker, writer, and activist whose work is dedicated to Black trans liberation. She is a TIME 100 Most Influential Person in the World awardee and her work has been featured in ABC News, the NYTimes, and Vogue. She created the critically acclaimed film Happy Birthday, Marsha!, has exhibited her work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and is the winner of Art Basels biggest prize. She has directed Pride campaigns for Dove, Marc Jacobs, and Reebok. She has worked as an advocate for trans rights with Queers for Economic Justice and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. She is a graduate of Columbia University and lives in Miami, Florida.