Happy 80th, Marsha!

Marsha “Pay it no mind” Johnson (1945-1992) was the embodiment of trans joy, a powerful activist, an artist, and a passionate advocate for sex workers, queer youth, and people with AIDS. Her life and legacy are an inspiration for trans and queer people everywhere, and her example guides us as our communities face attacks by the current administration and Republican-led state governments. The Happy 80th, Marsha! festival encompassed 17 events organized by trans creatives and held in multiple venues in Kingston, NY and beyond from August 10th through 24th, 2025. The festival's purpose was to honor Marsha and all that she has contributed to queer people, build our local LGBTQIA+ community's resilience through joyful acts of resistance, and provide trans creatives with opportunities to shine and share their gifts. 
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To learn more about Marsha and her amazing contributions read or listen to Tourmaline's superb new biography Marsha: The Joy & Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson and listen to Raquel Willis' stellar new podcast series "Afterlives: Marsha P. Johnson."

The project was made possible with funds from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. 

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center, Chronogram Media, Queer Kingston, Catskill Mountain Roots, Balm in Gilead Herb Shop, Catskill Mountain Roots, and Ron van Beek, Licensed Massage Therapist