From Riot to Revolution

“From Stonewall to the very first Pride march in 1970, the Christoper Street Liberation Day march, Black trans and queer people have always been the ones willing to take the most votive action — whether it was throwing the brick or the first punch.” – Elle Hearns, founder and executive director of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute

Today, let us remember the Stonewall Riots or Uprising which occurred on June 28, 1969 in New York. City. Though I had heard about the Stonewall Riots, it wasn’t until I watched the documentary that I REALLY learned about the Stonewall Riots and Martha P. Johnson – a Black transgender woman – along with other trans rights advocates. I also begin to expand and deepen my own understanding of queer history in the United States and around the world.

Intergenerational Road to Liberation

Just like the Civil Rights Act of 1965 is falsely considered the first Civil Rights Act (psst – the first was in 1875) and Rosa Parks not being the first to refuse to give up her seat (that’s Claudette Colvin), the Stonewall Riots are not the first trans and queer uprising.

These facts do not take away from the fierce courage of those individuals and groups fighting the good fight that has been centered in our learning journey. This invitation is a reminder that we are on a 200,000 human intergenerational journey filled with the ERASURE of riots, revolutionaries, and advocates that seek disrupt oppressive systems. History is shaped by the victor.

Meet Frances – Black trans woman and anti-rape activist

Drawing from The Days’ Doings, New York, August 12, 1876. Public Domain Image.

Born in 1840, Frances Thompson was born into slavery in Alabama. Frances was an American Black trans woman and anti-rape activist. Frances investigated what occurred during the Memphis Riots of 1866. Her investigation prompted her to testify before a congressional committee that investigated the Memphis massacre. She is the first known trans woman to testify before the United States Congress.

The Memphis Riots began on May 1, 1866, after Black soldiers, women, and children began to gather in a public space in South Memphis. The police attempted to break up and arrest two soldiers. After three days, a white mob targeted communities of Black residents throughout the city and resulted in 46 Black Americans and two White Americans died during the riot. There were also at least five rapes and 285 people were injured.

Learning Lessons: Empowering Minds, Liberating Worlds

MEET Sarah Graham, the visionary behind Lessons-in-Liberation™. I first met Sarah at the Sistahbiz Global Network for Black Wilen Entrepreneurs. Sarah and I were accepted into the same business development cohort. I was blessed to witness the birthing of the QUEER IS EVERYWHERE curriculum.

Sarah Graham and Taishya zoom rooming.

As an innovative instructional designer and education consultant, Sarah specializes in crafting transformational and culturally responsive curricula for both adult and youth learners. Lessons-in-Liberation™ – where education meets empowerment – paves the way for a more just and inclusive world. This team designs engaging curricula that uplift intersectional queer voices and marginalized identities while dismantling systems of oppression.

Check our Series 1: Queer is Everywhere! Each lesson includes engaging presentation slides, learner handouts, daily lesson plans, and comprehensive teaching guides, to foster a safe and transformative learning environment. Our comprehensive units of study are more than just lessons; they are gateways to empowerment.

Series 1: Queer & Everywhere!

• Module 1: The ABCs of Queerness – An introductory unit about sexuality and gender

• Module 2: From Visible to Invisible – History of LGBTQIA+ oppression and fight for freedom

• Module 3: The Road to Queer Liberation – Explore modern movements and LGBTQIA+ activists

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Call to Action: Protect Trans Rights in Colorado and Beyond

Rocky Mountain Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ people to be safe and have access to opportunity including fair workplaces, housing, and education. Organizing as a community amplifies our power and ability to bring about positive change.

RMEQ works to remain responsive so our advocacy efforts are timely and impactful to the well-being of the community we serve. Click here to sign up for advocacy alerts and learn more about ways to activate. Contact: Mardi Moore (she), Chief Executive Officer: mardi@rmequality.org and Bruce Parker (he), Chief Operating Officer: bruce@rmequality.org. Call their office at 303.499.5777