Transgender Women of Color: Pioneers of Empowering Street Harm Reduction

Part 3 of Unearthing the Untold Origins: The Radical Legacy of Harm Reduction in BIPOC Communities

In the aftermath of the historic Stonewall Riots in 1969, two formidable transgender activists, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, emerged as trailblazers in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Beyond their pivotal roles in the uprising, these transgender women of color made significant contributions to harm reduction and empowerment within their communities. This blog piece celebrates their extraordinary achievements and sheds light on their transformative work through the organization they co-founded: Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR).

Vintage colored photograph of Sylvia Rivera (right) Marsha P Johnson (left.) They are in a public busy street intersection. Sylvia is wearing a long black dress and black covered shoes with a black bow. She is waving the peace sign on her left hand. She has a purple ribbon across her body that reads “stonewall.” She is looking at the camera looking proud. Marsha is wearing a long flowery yellow dress with a white and red flower crown on her hair. She also has a purple “Stonewall” ribbon across her body. She is wearing white sneakers and is looking at the camera with a smile. She is carrying a gray/blue messenger bag that is packed.

Transgender Women of Color Are The Harm Reduction Godmothers

〰️

Transgender Women of Color Are The Harm Reduction Godmothers 〰️

Creating Safe Spaces and Revolutionary Support:
After the Stonewall Riots, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson recognized the urgent need for safe spaces and support networks for transgender individuals, particularly youth. In response, they established the first LGBTQ+ youth shelter in North America, which was operated by STAR. This groundbreaking initiative provided a haven for young transgender people, offering them food, clothing, and shelter—critical resources that would help prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors.

Speaking about the founding of STAR, Sylvia Rivera recounted, "We fed people and clothed people. We kept the building going. We went out and hustled the streets. We paid the rent. We didn't want the kids out in the streets hustling... There was always food in the house, and everyone had fun." STAR's tireless efforts in ensuring the well-being of transgender individuals underscore their commitment to harm reduction and the creation of a nurturing environment.

Forging Alliances and Revolution:

Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were not confined to the LGBTQ+ community; they recognized the importance of building bridges across social justice movements. Sylvia maintained connections with the Black Panther Party and marched alongside the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican activist organization. In 1970, Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, referred to the gay liberation movement as the "most revolutionary" minority group in the United States and affectionately called Sylvia "that queen from New York."

These alliances demonstrated that the fight for liberation and harm reduction transcended narrow boundaries, and it exemplified the interconnectedness of struggles against racism, poverty, and discrimination. By actively engaging with other marginalized communities, Sylvia and Marsha paved the way for inclusive activism that recognized the intersecting needs of diverse populations.

Transcending Boundaries: Trans Sex Worker Labor Organization:

Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson recognized the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals involved in the sex trade and street economy. In response, STAR became the first trans sex worker labor organization. They developed strategies to ensure the safety, well-being, and leadership development of trans individuals in these precarious occupations.

Sylvia and Marsha created housing projects where trans sex workers and those in the street economy could find a safe place to sleep and seek support. By investing in the leadership and development of transgender people, they empowered individuals to take control of their lives and pursue alternatives to survive in a world that often marginalized them.

Trans Women of Color: Pioneers of Harm Reduction:

The impact of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson cannot be overstated. They embodied the spirit of harm reduction long before the term became widely recognized. Their visionary approach to addressing the needs of transgender individuals in their communities was grounded in compassion, resilience, and the pursuit of social justice.

Shira Hassan astutely observed, "Before the nonprofit-industrial complex ever uttered the words 'harm reduction,' trans women of color were developing its best practices." Their pioneering efforts created tangible solutions and opportunities, demonstrating the power of grassroots initiatives to effect transformative change.

Black transgender women and transgender women of color have long been at the forefront of change, even before the concept of harm reduction gained wider recognition. Their resourcefulness and resilience enabled them to create safe spaces and opportunities for themselves and others, providing a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

As we reflect on the contributions of transgender women of color to harm reduction, we must remember that their fight for justice is ongoing. It is our responsibility to honor their legacies by continuing the work of creating safe environments, amplifying their voices, and advocating for policies that protect and uplift transgender individuals.

Sign up to receive email alerts on our Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Course here.