All Of It: Tourmaline on the Life of Marsha P. Johnson

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC

In the latest episode of WNYC's ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart delves deep into the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, a seminal figure in LGBTQ+ activism. The episode features an insightful conversation with Tourmaline, the author of the newly released biography, "The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson." This comprehensive discussion not only illuminates Marsha's personal journey but also underscores her pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Early Life and Upbringing

Tourmaline begins by tracing Marsha P. Johnson's roots, highlighting her upbringing in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She notes, "Marsha lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her sister Jeannie and brother Bob and nephew Al still live there. Really beautiful family dedicated to preserving the legacy of Marsha and the activism that her life inspired." (02:14)

Marsha's early involvement in the AME church played a significant role in shaping her spirituality and sense of community. Tourmaline recounts, "Marcia and Jeanne Michaels, Marcia's sister, was talking about how Marcia started to perform in church plays and then also in choir... she cultivated a real relationship with God." (04:47)

Journey to New York and Finding Community

At 19, Tourmaline moved to New York, immersing herself in the vibrant queer and trans communities of the West Village. She shares, "Everyone was kind of talking about this person, Marcia... I wanted to know someone who always wore flowers in her hair." (02:21) This quest for understanding led her to uncover Marsha's influential presence in Times Square during the early 60s, where Marsha met Sylvia Rivera, a young trans activist. Tourmaline emphasizes the importance of recognizing the youth involved in these movements: "Marcia met Sylvia when Sylvia was 13 years old. She was a mother figure to her." (10:50)

Activism and the Stonewall Uprising

Marsha P. Johnson's activism is a cornerstone of her legacy. Tourmaline details Marsha's involvement in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, stating, "Marcia participated in the Stonewall uprisings... she was a pioneer for LGBTQ rights." (02:00)

The conversation touches on the evolution of terminology within the LGBTQ+ community. Tourmaline explains, "In the early 1970s, Marsha was identifying as a pre-op transsexual woman. She was using estrogen, accessing gender-affirming care." (06:49) This highlights Marsha's advocacy for gender-affirming healthcare long before it became a central issue in today's discourse.

Starr: Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries

A significant part of Marsha's activism was her role in founding Starr, an organization dedicated to supporting street queens and trans individuals. Tourmaline describes Starr's impact: "They were demanding more... creating housing together while doing political education." (12:26) Inspired by groups like the Black Panther Party, Starr provided both social support and political advocacy, embodying Marsha's vision of a self-sustaining and empowered LGBTQ+ community.

Performing and Creating Joy Amidst Defiance

Marsha P. Johnson was not only an activist but also a vibrant performer. Tourmaline shares anecdotes of Marsha's performances, "She was doing two performances a day with the Hot Peaches... she was a legendary performer." (15:27) These performances were more than just entertainment; they were acts of resistance and expressions of identity, infusing joy into the struggle for rights and recognition.

Challenges and Tragic End

Despite her outward strength and joy, Marsha's life was marked by significant challenges and violence. Tourmaline recounts, "She was shot on the west side highway in 1981 by a taxi driver... her body was found in the Hudson River in July 1992." (16:03) These tragic events underscore the systemic violence faced by transgender individuals, highlighting the precariousness of Marsha's existence despite her resilience and activism.

Legacy and Remembrance

Marsha P. Johnson's legacy is celebrated in various forms, from murals to films. Tourmaline reflects on how people choose to remember her: "Whether it's through her organizing and feeding people or through her performances... there's an abundance of ways that people can channel and live the legacy of Marsha B. Johnson." (17:39) The renaming of East River State Park to Marsha P. Johnson State Park in February 2020 is a testament to her enduring influence.

Tourmaline expresses her hopes for Marsha's legacy: "I hope that people remember that she lived a full life... a legacy of knowing that these harsh conditions can inspire us to dream beyond them and that our dreams of being able to have safety and know our value are possible." (18:27)

Conclusion

This episode of ALL OF IT serves as a poignant tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, capturing both her joyous spirit and unwavering defiance in the face of adversity. Through Tourmaline's comprehensive biography and passionate storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Marsha's multifaceted contributions to culture and activism. Marsha P. Johnson's life is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in shaping and uplifting a community, making her an enduring icon in the fight for equality and recognition.

Notable Quotes:

• Tourmaline on Marsha's Early Life:
  "Marsha lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her sister Jeannie and brother Bob and nephew Al still live there. Really beautiful family dedicated to preserving the legacy of Marsha and the activism that her life inspired." (02:14)

• On Marsha's Spirituality:
  "Marcia cultivated this real relationship with God... she made a deal with God... she would go into the gay community and learn about what life was like in the gay community." (04:47)

• Regarding Gender Identity:
  "In the early 1970s, Marsha was identifying as a pre-op transsexual woman. She was using estrogen, accessing gender-affirming care." (06:49)

• On Starr's Significance:
  "They were demanding more... creating housing together while doing political education." (12:26)

• Remembering Marsha's Legacy:
  "I hope that people remember that she lived a full life... a legacy of knowing that these harsh conditions can inspire us to dream beyond them." (18:27)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the ALL OF IT episode featuring Tourmaline's exploration of Marsha P. Johnson's life, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't tuned in.