Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism

Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism is an annual award presented by CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies at the Graduate Center, CUNY to recognize outstanding LGBTQ+ activists and their contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The award is named after Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent African American trans woman and gay liberation activist who played a key role in the Stonewall riots alongside Sylvia Rivera and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. The award aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. Recipients of the award have included notable figures such as Angela Davis, Larry Kramer, and Sarah Schulman.

● Introduction

The Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism is a prestigious honor that recognizes the tireless efforts of LGBTQ+ activists who have dedicated their lives to fighting for equality and justice. The award is presented annually by CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies, a leading LGBTQ+ research center that is part of the Graduate Center, CUNY. The center is known for its innovative research and programming, which includes the LGBTQ+ Studies Certificate Program and the Queer Studies Conference. The award is named after Marsha P. Johnson, a legendary trans woman and gay liberation activist who was a key figure in the Stonewall riots and a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries (STAR). Other notable LGBTQ+ activists who have been involved with the award include Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin.

● History

The Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism was established in 1990 by CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies to honor the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson and to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ activists who have made significant strides in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The award has been presented annually since its inception, with past recipients including Larry Kramer, Sarah Schulman, and Angela Davis. The award has also been presented to organizations such as the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) and the National LGBTQ Task Force. Other notable organizations that have been involved with the award include the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. The award ceremony is typically held at the Graduate Center, CUNY and features a keynote address by a prominent LGBTQ+ activist or scholar, such as Judith Butler, Michael Warner, or Lisa Duggan.

● Criteria and Selection

The Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism is presented to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. The selection criteria for the award include a demonstrated history of activism and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, a commitment to intersectional and inclusive practices, and a record of innovative and effective strategies for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The selection committee for the award includes a diverse group of LGBTQ+ activists, scholars, and community leaders, such as Urvashi Vaid, Kate Bornstein, and Dean Spade. The committee reviews nominations from the LGBTQ+ community and selects the recipient based on their outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Other notable LGBTQ+ activists who have been involved in the selection process include Cheryl Clarke, Jasbir Puar, and Tourmaline.

● Notable Recipients

The Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism has been presented to a diverse group of LGBTQ+ activists and organizations over the years, including Angela Davis, Larry Kramer, and Sarah Schulman. Other notable recipients of the award include AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The award has also been presented to individuals such as Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a trans woman and activist who has been a leading figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement for over 40 years, and Rea Carey, the executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Other notable recipients include Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, and CeCe McDonald, who have all been recognized for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

● Impact and Legacy

The Marsha P. Johnson Award for Activism has had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The award has helped to recognize and honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ activists who have dedicated their lives to fighting for equality and justice. The award has also helped to promote intersectional and inclusive practices within the LGBTQ+ community and has provided a platform for LGBTQ+ activists to share their stories and experiences. The award has been recognized by prominent LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. The award has also been recognized by academic institutions such as the Graduate Center, CUNY, Yale University, and University of California, Berkeley, which have all been involved in promoting LGBTQ+ studies and LGBTQ+ research. Other notable institutions that have recognized the award include the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives.

Category:Awards for activism