Miss. Major Griffin-Gracy, or as many have come to know her “Mama,” is a civil rights activist and stonewall veteran who fought for respect and equality for over 40 years. Born in Chicago, she came out as transgender in late 1950's. After being kicked out of two colleges based on the outward expression of her identity, she moved to New York City and her journey to the legend she became began.
While living in New York, there were few places where she was permitted. Even gay bars would deny transgender women entry, but the Stonewall Inn was different. On the night of June 27, 1969, Griffin-Gracy was in the bar when it was raided by police.
Although it was a common occurrence, this night was unlike others in that the patrons decided not to comply with the police which started what is now known as the Stonewall riots. Griffin-Gracy was knocked out after being struck in the head by a police officer. She would later report that during her time in their custody, she had her jaw broken by a corrections officer.
Later, she served five years at the Clinton Correctional Facility (also known as Dannemora) for an alleged burglary. Frank “Big Black” Smith transferred to Dannemora after he was a part of the Attica Correctional riots in 1971. Smith showed great respect for Griffin-Gracy’s gender identity and they often discussed issues facing their community like the prison-industrial complex. They talked about how trans women of color are disproportionately incarcerated and ways to fix the problem instead of putting a band-aid on it.
Later in the 1970's she moved to San Diego where she worked directly for trans women who were suffering from addiction, incarcerated or homeless. During the AIDS epidemic, she served a variety of organizations to help provide healthcare and funerals for those in need. Shortly after the founding of the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project, Griffin-Gracy began working and soon became the Executive Director.
This October will be her 80th birthday and she is continuing to fight against police brutality and criminalization of transgender lives. Miss. Major Griffin-Gracy is not afraid to back down from a fight and her work continues to inspire a new generation of activists.
by Michael Barilla