By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff

Women’s History Month is a time to honor and reflect on the contributions of women throughout history. Among them, LGBTQIA+ women—including trans women, non-binary individuals, and gender non-conforming people—have played crucial roles in shaping activism, arts, and culture. Their stories, often overlooked or erased, deserve recognition and celebration. Here, we spotlight some of these trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations.

Arts and Culture

Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
A self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde used her voice to challenge racism, sexism, and homophobia through poetry and essays. Her works, including Sister Outsider and The Cancer Journals, remain essential readings in feminist and queer literature, inspiring generations of activists and writers.

Gloria Anzaldúa (1942-2004)
A queer Chicana feminist and writer, Gloria Anzaldúa explored the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and culture in her groundbreaking work Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Her writing was instrumental in shaping feminist theory and queer Latinx identity.

Audre Lorde in Austin, Texas, 1980. Photo by K. Kendall via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

Laverne Cox (b. 1972)
An actress and advocate, Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in Orange Is the New Black. Beyond her acting career, she has been a powerful voice for trans rights, using her platform to educate and uplift trans experiences in mainstream media.

Activism and Advocacy

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)
A Black trans woman and drag performer, Marsha P. Johnson was pivotal in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a turning point in LGBTQIA+ rights. She co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the radical activist group STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) with Sylvia Rivera, providing shelter and advocacy for homeless queer and trans youth. Her relentless activism laid the groundwork for modern LGBTQIA+ movements.

Stormé DeLarverie (1920-2014)
A biracial butch lesbian, Stormé DeLarverie was a performer and a key figure in the LGBTQIA+ community. Often credited with throwing the first punch at the Stonewall uprising, she dedicated her life to protecting queer spaces and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights as a community guardian and activist.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (b. 1940)
A Black trans activist and elder, Miss Major has been a lifelong advocate for incarcerated trans women, particularly those of color. She survived the Stonewall uprising and has since worked tirelessly to support trans women, especially those impacted by the prison-industrial complex, through her leadership at organizations like the Transgender Gender-Variant & Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP).

Science and Academia

Lynn Conway (b. 1938)
A pioneering computer scientist and transgender activist, Lynn Conway made significant contributions to microchip design. After being fired from IBM in the 1960s for transitioning, she rebuilt her career and became a leader in engineering. Her contributions helped revolutionize computer processing and inspired trans professionals in STEM fields.

Angela Davis (b. 1944)
A scholar, activist, and former political prisoner, Angela Davis has long advocated for racial, gender, and economic justice. Though historically private about her sexuality, she has since been an outspoken member of the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the intersectionality of struggles against oppression.

Honoring Their Legacy

These are just a few of the many LGBTQIA+ women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals who have shaped history. Their courage, resilience, and brilliance continue to inspire new generations of activists, artists, and leaders. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us amplify their stories, honor their contributions, and continue the fight for justice and equality.

This article was originally published in the 2025 Spring Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.