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.
This matters because it reframes Marsha P. Johnson—often remembered primarily as a trans activist and Stonewall figure—as a deliberate, innovative artist whose textile works and performances were central to her political vision. By highlighting her creative labor and the enduring influence of her banners, the article underscores how art can serve as a vehicle for social change and community building. It also connects Johnson's legacy to contemporary artists like Tourmaline and Tuesday Smilie, showing how her work continues to inspire new generations.