Throughout history, there have been figures whose legacies have endured, continuing to shape movements and events. These individuals defied the odds and were pillars of resilience, expression, and authenticity. As we celebrate LGBT History Month, we spotlight some Black LGBTQ+ game changers who had a major impact on the community.

Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson’s name is synonymous with revolution and advocacy, particularly for trans rights. A Black trans woman and one of the most iconic figures in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation, Johnson co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Trans Action Revolutionaries (STAR). She was present at the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a defining moment for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Johnson’s activism was marked by her compassion for marginalised communities, especially trans and homeless youth, offering them shelter and support. Her legacy continues to inspire as a symbol of courage and social justice.

Marsha P. Johnson: Trans activist. She was a leader at the infamous Stonewall Riots & helped homeless LGBT+ youth. pic.twitter.com/0fsgPXnGtE

— 🌙𝑀𝒪𝑅𝑅𝐼𝒢𝒜𝒩 ✨ (@GayGothMermaid) February 16, 2016

Jackie McCarthy O’Brien
Jackie McCarthy O’Brien made history as the first person of colour to play for the Republic of Ireland senior women’s football team. She made her debut in 1983, going on to secure a total of 13 international caps. She also earned a place on the Irish women’s rugby team, making a similar number of appearances and being their first mixed-race player.

James Baldwin
Writer and activist James Baldwin was one of the most profound voices of the 20th century, exploring race, identity, sexuality, and marginalisation. His works, including Giovanni’s Room and The Fire Next Time, confronted the painful realities of racial and sexual identity in a divided America. Baldwin’s eloquent exploration of race and queerness resonated widely, making him an intellectual and advocate for human rights. His courage to speak truth to power paved the way for generations of activists and thinkers and his words continue to inspire today.

“It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the Earth as though I had a right to be here.” —James Baldwin pic.twitter.com/m7SWlqhGlu

— AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY (@AfricanArchives) January 11, 2025

Gladys Bentley
Gladys Bentley was a revolutionary figure in early 20th-century Harlem, known for her powerful voice and unapologetic gender expression. As a queer Black woman during the Harlem Renaissance, Bentley defied norms both onstage and off, performing in speakeasies and nightclubs where she captivated audiences with her bold performances of jazz, blues, and gospel. She was known for dressing in men’s clothing and challenging conventional ideas of femininity.

gladys bentley was a lesbian gender-bending blues singer, pianist and entertainer during the harlem renaissance. according to the new york times she was harlem’s most famous lesbian in the 30s. pic.twitter.com/aKNlrsMEuA

— ale ☆ (@romansnby) June 1, 2020

Willi Ninja
Known as the ‘Godfather of Voguing’, Willi Ninja was a legendary figure in New York City’s ballroom scene. Rising to fame in the 1980s, Ninja’s innovative dance style—characterised by sharp, angular poses and fluid movements—was a defining element of voguing, a dance form rooted in Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities. As a leading figure in the ballroom scene, Ninja helped bring voguing into the mainstream. His contributions not only shaped the world of dance but also became a symbol of resilience for those marginalised in mainstream society. Ninja’s legacy continues to thrive in LGBTQ+ culture and fashion, influencing contemporary artists and dancers worldwide.

Willi Ninja voguing in the studio and at the 1998 House of Fields ball. In this clip, which is from the 1998 short documentary Voguing: The Message, he cites the people who taught him to vogue including Little Michael and Hector Valle Xtravaganza, founding father of the house. pic.twitter.com/VpppOaejxj

— come from behind (@GoAwfCis) January 3, 2025

These five Black LGBTQ+ individuals were not just trailblazers; they were visionaries who challenged societal norms and fought for the rights, visibility and inclusion of the most marginalised throughout history. As we continue to face new challenges and struggles, their legacies remind us of the power of standing unapologetically in one’s truth and fighting for a more just world for all.