John, 

Happy Pride Month! As we continue to celebrate and honor the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the labor movement, we turn our attention to a remarkable pioneer whose legacy has left an indelible mark on both the LGBTQ community and the fight for workers' rights. This week we pay tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, an LGBTQ activist and key figure in the Stonewall Uprising. Please read on to learn more about this inspiring individual. 

 

Title: Pride Month Profiles: Marsha P. Johnson

Author: Kenneth Quinnell

In 1968, a riot broke out at the Stonewall Inn, a popular LGBTQ bar, when police officers raided the building. This became known as one of the most important events that sparked the LGBTQ rights movement, commonly referred to as the Stonewall Riots or, more accurately, the Stonewall Uprising. 

Author David Carter wrote that Johnson was one of three key figures leading the resistance, but Johnson modestly downplayed her role, saying, “I was uptown, and I didn’t get downtown until about two o’clock. When I got downtown, the place was already on fire, and there was a raid already. The riots had already started.”

Either way, she joined in and played a pivotal role not only in the uprising, but in the founding of the Gay Liberation Front, an organization founded in the aftermath of Stonewall that advocated for the sexual liberation of all people.

Fighting back against discrimination toward transgender people, Johnson, along with Sylvia Rivera, founded STAR—Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries—a trans rights group that organized shelters for homeless transgender teens and drag queens. Johnson also helped found STAR House, which provided shelter to homeless queer youth.

Johnson’s life wasn’t all battles, however; she was a social butterfly who spent time with the likes of Andy Warhol. She also toured America and Europe as part of Hot Peaches, an avant-drag performance troupe.

Click here to read full blog post.

As we honor Pride Month we would like to invite you to the Arizona AFL-CIO constituency organization, Pride at Work- Arizona Chapter, for an exciting meeting that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the LGBTQIA+ community on July 13, 2023 at 6PM at Teamsters Local 104! This meeting promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for equality and justice. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a strong Ally, we encourage you to attend and be a part of this vibrant community. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS

 

OPINION

 

NATIONAL NEWS

 

LOCAL NEWS

 
 

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