Tag: lgbt history

Marsha P. Johnson: The Power of a Queen – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

$15, a bag of clothes, and a fierce attitude. This is, according to a 1992 documentary by director Michael Kasino, what Marsha P. Johnson brought to New York, right after graduating high school and just before changing the course of history. Photo credit: USA/Netflix Johnson was born in August 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey under … Continue reading Marsha P. Johnson: The Power of a Queen – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Tragic and Transcendent – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

I first learned of Annemarie Schwarzenbach from a NY Times article a friend of mine shared on Facebook titled “Beautiful Tomboys of the 1930’s.” The photos of Annemarie were striking and intriguing. I instantly wanted to know more about her. Then I did as many do after reading an article, I saved it and added … Continue reading Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Tragic and Transcendent – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Coccinelle: The Power of Being Unapologetically You – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy was born on August 23, 1931 in Paris, France. Sounds like the beginning to a normal story, right? However, Jacqueline, better known by her stage name, Coccinelle (meaning ‘ladybug’), was anything but ordinary in her time. This Marilyn Monroe lookalike was a French actress, entertainer, and a pioneering transgender activist for LGBTQ+ … Continue reading Coccinelle: The Power of Being Unapologetically You – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land