WALL OF ICONS
JAMES BALDWIN
James Arthur Baldwin was an African-American writer and civil rights activist who’s narratives influence both the civil rights movement and the gay liberation movement. While he didn't always use the term "gay" to describe himself, he was open about his relationships with men and spoke openly about LGBTQ+ issues.
ERNESTINE ECKSTEIN
Ernestine Eckstein was an African-American woman was the New York chapter leader of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization. Under her leadership, the chapter moved towards public demonstrations and protests, inspiring the next generation to take to the streets for their rights.
EDIE WINDSOR
Edith Windsor was an American LBBTQIA+ rights activist. She was the lead plaintiff in the 2013 Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, which overturned Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, a landmark legal victory that paved the way for the Obama administration to extend rights to same-sex couples.
LARRY KRAMER
Larry Kramer was an American playwright, author, film producer, public health advocate, and gay rights activist. He founded AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in 1987, a grassroots political group with the goal of working to end the AIDS crisis through direct action, medical research, advocacy, and working to change legislation policies. He also co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis, which has become the world's largest private organization assisting people living with AIDS.
BAYARD RUSTIN
Bayard Rustin was an African-American political activist and prominent leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. While same-sex marriage was not recognized at the time, his partner and Rustin undertook to solidify their partnership and protect their union legally through adoption. Rustin also testified in favor of the New York City Gay Rights Bill, in a speech that he asserted that “…the question of social change should be framed with the most vulnerable group in mind: gay people”.
STORMÉ DELARVERIE
Stormé DeLarverie was a drag performer, gay civil right activist, and bouncer at one point at the Henrietta Hudson. According to herself and other eyewitnesses ignited the Stonewall uprising by throwing “the first brick/punch”. She also toured as the only Drag King MC at the Jewel Box Revue, where she regularly performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
MARSHA P. JOHNSON
Marsha P. Johnson was a gay liberation activist and community organizer. She was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall Uprising, alongside close friend Sylvia Rivera. She co-founded the activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) and was a popular drag performer, even modeling for Andy Warhol at one point.
JUDY GARLAND
Judy Garland was an American actress, singer and vaudevillian. She famously portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, a character that was embraced by the queer community and used as lingo to determine if you were queer (“are you a friend of Dorothy?”). While Garland was not queer herself, she was embraced as a queer icon for her camp-like performances and tragic personal life.
HARVEY MILK
Harvey Milk was an American politician and first openly gay man to be elected to public office in San Francisco, California. He sponsored a bill banning discrimination on sexual orientation in public accommodations, housing and employment, which was passed into law by a vote of 11-1. He was assassinated by the city supervisor who cast the sole vote against Milk’s bill. Milk has become an icon in San Fransisco and the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring political leaders and legislation.
BEA ARTHUR
Bea Arthur was an American actress, comedienne and activist, known for her portrayal of Dorothy on The Golden Girls. She embraced the queer community and advocated for LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, raising money and bequeathing $300,000 to the Ali Forney Center for the cause after her death. The Bea Arthur Residence opened in 2017, an 18-bed residence in Manhattan for homeless LGBTQIA+ youth.