Alexander Avila's video: My Friend Marsha - A Musical Tribute to Marsha P Johnson

READ THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: Marsha P. Johnson was one of many transgender youth who lived on Christopher Street in New York in the 1960s. When the Stonewall Riots ensued at a local bar, Johnson was one of the key figures of the pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. Promptly after Stonewall, gay activism exploded as a large number of organizations were inspired by the moment. Marsha P. Johnson, alongside her friend Sylvia Rivera, formed the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, a home for street youth in the community. The self proclaimed “street queens” were radical in their activism and fervent in their tactics. Many in the community, like Randy Wicker, saw trans and gender nonconforming activists as disruptive to the image of the community. For years two worlds of queer activism existed: one for homeless radical youth, mostly people of color and another world of white upper class assimilationists. Sylvia Rivera and Randy Wicker were natural enemies, and for 30 years, they continued to hate each other. The two sides fought, but over the years, friendships facilitated unity. Marsha P. Johnson befriended Randy Wicker, as she became a roommate of his for several years. Eventually, Randy realized his mistake in speaking against trans activists, and came to join in solidarity with the trans community. Despite this, Sylvia and Randy remained enemies. After Marsha’s death, Randy and Sylvia finally decided it was time to bury the hatchet. Sylvia began working in Randy’s shop and the two became close friends after 30 years of fighting. PHOTOS by Randolfe Wicker https://www.flickr.com/photos/randywicker/ This song attempts to capture what it would have been like during Randy and Sylvia’s reconciliation. They speak of their memories of Marsha, their life of activism, their rivalry, and their friendship. This song serves to keep the memory of Marsha alive, not only as an activist, but as a human who gave love and respect to everyone. Forgive my performance haha.