marsha p johnson biography art tourmaline tiny reparations

This excerpt from Tourmaline's forthcoming book "Marsha: the Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson" (Tiny Reparations, May 20) focuses on Marsha P. Johnson's use of hand-sewn banners and textile art as tools of activism and joy within the gay liberation movement. It describes her creation of banners reading "GAY POOOR PEOPLE" and "Gay Love," the latter borrowed by the Hot Peaches theater troupe, and her broader artistic practice spanning acting, performance, fashion, and songwriting. The text also notes artist Tuesday Smilie's 2018 recreation of Johnson's STAR banner for an exhibit at the Rose Art Museum.