LGBTQ+: Ms Alabi

Ms Alabi shares a bright and beautiful piece of artwork to celebrate the life of Marsha P. Johnson, an African American trans-rights activist.

Miss Alabi said: Marsha P. Johnson was an African American trans-rights activist who played a big role in important moments for the LGBTQ+ movement, such as the Stonewall protests. Johnson was a gay man and a drag artist - someone who dressed extravagantly and performed as a woman. Their activism in the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the LGBTQ+ community. At this time, being gay was classified as a mental illness in the United States. Gay people were regularly threatened and beaten by police and were shunned by men in society.

Though I am no artist, I knew it was important to capture the vibrancy and joy in Marsha's spirit. I based my work on the now iconic image below. Marsha once said that the "P" in their name stood for 'Pay it no mind' - a phrase they used when people commented negatively on their appearance or life choices. No matter your gender, sexuality or self-identification - PAY.THEM.NO.MIND.