MANY thanks to the author Tourmaline and Tiny Reparations Books/Penguin Random House for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley.

This book is more than a biography. It is an honoring, a revelation and a devotion.

"As we reconstruct her roles in moments of pivotal history, it is alright— beautiful , even—to allow for a variety of narratives to emerge, like different varieties of the same type of flower-a prickly wild rose, a field rose, a cabbage rose, a memorial rose... Let the seeds emerge, bloom, disperse."

Tourmaline handles the yoked truths of Marsha P. Johnson, those who knew, worked alongside and loved her with utmost care and reverence. She paints a panoramic and vivid picture of Marsha, the history and personal experiences that made her and what her own life brought to BIPOC, Queer and Trans peers and descendants. MARSHA demystifies her life while holding her as activist, artist, human and divine.

As the title promises and without shying away from the harsh realities of her life, Tourmaline succeeds at showing both the defiance and joy Marsha wielded that continues to reshape the world. These pages glitter and bloom with her vision, activism, faith, heart and life.

“It is a gift to see the world through Marsha's eyes. In order to change the harshest conditions-to survive in a world not designed for your survival; to believe in your dignity amid constant disempowerment, violence, and loss-you have to be able to see beyond what is right in front of you. Instead, you need to see into what is possible: what might have been, what could be, what will be.”

We are forever grateful for this gift. We continue to honor your legacy, Saint Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson.

As the first comprehensive biography of Marsha P. Johnson, the legendary Black transgender activist who played a pivotal role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, this book offers an in-depth look into her life. Beyond the famous rumor of her throwing the first brick at Stonewall, Tourmaline paints a vibrant portrait of Marsha as both a tireless activist and a captivating individual. Declaring her own freedom, Marsha's inspiring story encourages readers to embrace their most authentic and liberated selves.

Incredible. No notes. I loved this look into Marsha's life. Tourmaline clearly did her research, and did not use this biography as a way to sensationalize and speculate about Marsha's death, but rather a way to celebrate her life. I consider myself a pretty aware and educated person when it comes to Queer history, but I found myself learning new things about Marsha way beyond what I had understood before. The joy and power that Marsha found by living authentically, made her such an important activist. And while she had to spend her entire life resisting, she never let the adversity slow her down. Her identity as a Black trans woman plays an integral part of her story. She was a powerhouse of a human, that has done so much for Queer liberation. This book serves as a reminder for where we came from, how we got here, and how we can never give up the fight.

I can't get enough of our foremother Marsha, the woman who fought for a future she never got to see.

In this biography, Tourmaline isn't afraid to get to the darker, dirtier corners of Marsha's past. But they don't admonish or shame the actions of Marsha and the other girlies, but instead shine a loving light on the hardship of queens and transfolks of our past. From her childhood to her death, this highlights stories told by those who knew and loved Marsha just as she was.

I give this a 4.5 instead of a 5 because I think, as a biography, it should be a bit more polished. Tourmaline did an excellent job at their research, though.

Okay, so total outlier here on my feelings and review. Oh how excited I was to read a biography of Marsha Pay-It-No-Mind Johnson! But this was way too broad of a brushstroke story for me. I ended up feeling like there wasn't enough information about Marsha to complete the book and filler had to be added. This book was as much the history of the LGBTQ community, other members of the community, and the author themself as much as it was about Marsha. And, yes, I understand that some of that needed to be included, but at a certain point it feels like padding. I wanted Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! In that loss I was disappointed. But if you want a look at the early Pride movement, with a focus on one of its brightest stars, then you will appreciate this book.

What a fascinating read!

Over the years, I've heard of Marsha P. Johnson, typically about the Stonewall Riot that galvanized the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

This biography dives into her origin story-- the journey that shaped her into who she became, and the impact that infamous night at Stonewall had on her life.

I loved learning more about such an important figure in American history. I also enjoyed how the author tied in interviews with people who may have seen the same situation from a different point of view than Marsha's to help show her mindset in life- how she took on issues or people standing in her way.

The author also takes a realistic look at Marsha and her life; there is no smoothing of rough edges-- in part to show the real person and in part to show how her experiences shaped her as a person.

Definitely worth a read!

Review posted to StoryGraph and Goodreads on 5/9/25. Review will be posted to Amazon on release date.

In a time where politicians and Christian nationalist are doing everything in their power to erase trans folks, this book is so very needed and powerful. Marsha P. Johnson’s life and activism remind us that there is so much beauty and need to love each other and care for each other. Tourmaline has written a moving and vibrant biography that brings Marsha back to us in this present time. The level of research and care that have gone into this project is obvious. I previously felt like I had a good grasp on who Marsha P. Johnson was and didn’t know what to expect when reading this book. I was blown away by all the details and insight from folks from Marsha’s life that were sprinkled throughout that made Marsha feel real and like she was here during this read. This is a book that I will be sharing with folks in my life. It was moving, beautiful, and sparkled just like Marsha P. Johnson.

This was a wonderful and intimate exploration of the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson. Existing in the queer community, I have heard endless praises for the elders that put their safety at risk to fight the ongoing revolution. So of course I have heard of Marsha. but now I feel like I truly have a better grasp of not only the unfathomable dedication she had to her cause but also who she was as a person. The author Tourmaline did a great job creating the sections in which Marsha's story was told. I felt like this could be a book I could reference in the future without fully rereading and still get the messages of Marsha's life that Tourmaline wanted to convey in each section. I absolutely highlighted the hell out of this book, by the way!

I loved seeing little bits of the story of the Queer Liberation movement that picked up steam in the late 60s that I have heard in passing or in queer spaces be contextualized through Marsha's story. On top of that, we got to hear from people who loved and lived with Marsha. It was interesting to recognize various names (shoutout RuPaul, Miss Major, Sylvia Rivera, etc.) and to hear about events and circumstances I have read about in detail through Marsha's personal story.

As we get closer to Pride month this year, I have never been more certain that we must embrace the intentions of Pride from the beginning of its inception. Marsha and her friends were revolutionaries, heroes, and protesters. Pride is a protest and it must be that this year more than ever. It was heart breaking to see how much has and has not changed in the fight for Queer and Trans Liberation. But I am so happy this book reminded me that joy and defiance are key.

I really enjoyed this book!

It details Marsha's life and legacy in just a few chapters but it certainly packs a punch.
I had no clue about a majority of the information on Marsha and her family/friends so it was wonderful to learn all of this.

There’s a deep care in how Tourmaline captures Marsha not only as an activist and community leader, but also as a sister, daughter, friend, wife, dog mom, neighbor, babysitter, culture and fashion icon, performer, singer, actress, and designer. I learned so much about her from this book that I didn’t know before! She’s captured here as a dynamic and multifaceted being contextualized within a thankless movement rife with racism and transphobia, contrasting the diluted inspirational representations we often see in mainstream white neoliberal narratives now. Equally important to understanding Marsha’s legacy are her experiences as a victim of state violence and systemic poverty, a street-based sex worker, someone living with disability and mental illness, and an AIDS care worker watching her community die. Cameos from peers like Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major, and Randy Wicker further demonstrate the depth of her love for community and the reach of her relentless light. I think this is a must-read!

Tourmaline beautifully writes about the life of Marsha P. Johnson, activist, friend, caregiver, and champion for gay rights. This is a wonderful addition to the LGBTQIA+ canon and a must read for everyone, whether or not they are familiar with Marsha's (ongoing) legacy.

**Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**

It's very rare I can picture whatever I am reading, but Tourmaline does a great job making you feel as if you are right there with Marsha and the other queens.

Tourmaline’s biography of Marsha P. Johnson is excellently researched and clearly a labor of love. The book can be read either chronologically or through Marsha’s different lenses, whether as a care giver, an activist, an artist, and so forth. That makes the book appealing, as people can decide which experience they need at the time of reading. I also found that Tourmaline’s writing overall breathed life into Marsha (if I may be so informal). It was at times personal, at times analytical, but always honest and endearing.

Most importantly, it was informative. While I was familiar with some aspects of Marsha’s work, this book helped me know that her identities intersected in ways I never knew (e.g., neurodiverse, disabled) in addition to those I did (e.g., trans, Black). It helped personalize important historical events and the culture around them. The depiction of trans-exclusionist views and how they affected the queer community then (as, unfortunately, now) and the joy to be found in bars and with drag groups in which Marsha performed were both equally well-rendered, which I think is no small feat.

Books like these that preserve queer history and the people that made it are always important, but Tourmaline’s work being released during a time where anti-trans rhetoric and policies are prevalent made this particularly poignant for me. It awakens my anger once again at the removing of the trans involvement with Stonewall from the National Park Service. It also reminds me that small measures, care work, and never giving up in the face of adversity CAN make a difference. If Marsha and her contemporaries did it, we can do it. It may be hard, and it may hurt, but we can do it.

So here's the tea, Marsha was a queen then and she remains a queen now.

I couldn't have been approved for this ARC at a more appropriate time to be honest. Written in an effort to remember that change can happen in every direction if were not vigilant to ourselves and our communities, Marsha is a reminder that just because you don't live in a movement, doesn't mean it's not happening.

To have a "moment in the day of" feel as I read through this account was refreshing and allowed for us as the reader to slide into an experience that, I'm of the belief, many don't have the opportunity to relate to before casting judgment. In this account, Marsha is real, her story is presented in a harsh contrast between the dichotomy of joy we feel to hold freedom to be ourselves, and the strife of oppressive movements that strive to be a thief to that joy. All while also maintaining a foot note lesson of how far we have come within socio political society and how far we have yet to go to provide the type of community we all deserve.

I imagine that once Marsha hits shelves the account will continue to remain an invaluable addition to remembering. This slice of history is unilaterally under documented to date, and consistently set aside, so page after page not only was I ready to hear it, but I was excited to see every powerful moment written with humility and confidence.

Tourmaline knew their task here and I applaud the effort.

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

This is a beautiful memoir about the vivacious, inspirational, and LGBTQIA+ leader, Marsha P. Johnson. This memoir is written from Marsha's childhood to her unsolved death. Marsha was so instrumental in the beginning of the LGBTQIA+ movement at Stonewall. Marsha was so much to many who suffered so much due to the AIDS/HIV devastation, and even was a sufferer herself. But, though it all Marsha still persevered for those to follow and specifically her trans "girlies".

So much time and effort were put into this labor of love memoir. Tourmaline writes an incredible tribute to Marsha. This is a historical book for LGBTQIA+ generations and an educational book, period.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7198783314 - posted 4/18/2025
The StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/966b866f-57b9-4276-8d89-41fe056848c2?redirect=true - posted 4/18/2025
booksbydorothea Blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/04/marsha-tourmaline-earcebook-overview.html - posted 4/18/2025

Marsha is the story of Marsha P. Johnson, a trailblazer in LGBTQIA+ history, as told by Tourmaline, a queer transgender woman, artist, writer, filmmaker, and activist.

Marsha chronicles the life of Marsha P. Johnson from her childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey, her times as a Time Square Hustler, her involvement in the iconic Stonewall Riots, as an activist, a performer, an advocate and carer in the AIDS epidemic, though her untimely death. Marsha does not fixate or speculate on her cause of death, rather it celebrates her life and legacy.

Marsha is a must read. Tourmaline does an incredible job honoring Marsha. The story of Marsha P. Johnson & her pivotal role in the Stonewall Riot is especially relevant today, as the rights of trans people, the queer community, and marginalized groups are under fire today.

Thank god the revolution has begun, honey

A powerful, big-hearted look into the life of iconic trans artist and activist Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha's story intersects with so many important moments in queer rights history, but she was also a real person with her own strengths, shortcomings, found family, and traumas. This is a must-read biography for anyone interested in trans and queer history.

Marsha by Tourmaline was a well written biography about the life and impact of Marsha P. (pay it no mind) Johnson. I really liked the way the chapters were broken down. I thought the conversation around disability and mental health were well explored in the Stonewall and Passing the Jordan River Chapters. My only problem with this book was perpetuation of the idea that Marsha threw the first brick at Stonewall and the decision to include her deadname which I am still undecided about my feels around.

Thank you the the author, Tourmaline, Tiny Reparations Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

The author adeptly explored the life of Marsha in this new biography. Marsha is known for being the spark of the modern LGBTQIA+ movement yet many people do not know her story. In this biography all facets of Marsha’s life are woven together to show a whole picture of who Marsha was and how despite all the hardships she faced she remained joyful and authentically herself.

I really appreciated how this biography was broken down into the many tools Marsha played in the different phases of her life. This is a must read.

“Honey, I don’t care if I never have nothing until the day I die, all I want is my freedom.”

This book made me burst into tears at the end and for me that doesn’t happen often. Marsha P. Johnson is a figure I knew bits and pieces about through documentaries and other media, but this is such a definitive, stunning biography about her life.

Marsha was a force. She was an activist before she knew it, being an integral part of the Stonewall riots that forced the LGBTQ+ community to the forefront of the culture at the time. But as important as she was, transgender people were being shunned from other gay and lesbian protests and groups. She was largely erased from the history and this book does an incredible job reminding everyone of how important she was.

It’s so amazing to read about her caring nature and how she took it upon herself to care for other queens and trans people. She was honest about her life, though it was still full of trauma. There are these amazing stories about her giving others her last dollars or making sure people in her community were fed or giving them her clothes. She took care of friends with AIDS back in a time where it wasn’t acknowledged by the government and hospitals didn’t want to offer any help. She was selfless and it shines in the stories told about her.

The chapter about her death is what made me emotional. People held her in such high regard and the words that were spoken about her were truly beautiful. It’s such a testament to her memory and everything she did in her life. I hope this book makes more people familiar with her and her impact of the LGBTQ+ community that still resonates today.

Just all the stars.

This book is a powerful and poetic tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, capturing her resilience, activism, and unwavering joy despite the hardships she faced. More than just a historical figure, Marsha comes to life as a complex, deeply spiritual, and compassionate woman who cared for her community even when she had so little herself.

The author does a brilliant job of reclaiming Marsha’s legacy beyond the tragedy of her untimely death, instead centering her as a visionary who dreamed of liberation. The book blends history with imagination, providing a rich portrayal of Marsha’s world—her struggles, her impact on the LGBTQ+ movement, and the wider queer history that shaped and was shaped by her.

Heartbreaking yet inspiring, this is an essential read for those wanting to learn about trans history, the AIDS crisis, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Marsha’s story is one that should be remembered, now more than ever.