Women’s history is often overlooked and dismissed, but it is full of incredible stories of strength, resilience, and defiance. Within women’s history, it is important to specifically highlight the contributions and achievements of queer women who have made significant impacts in various fields. These women not only challenged societal norms and expectations, but also paved the way for future generations of queer women to thrive and excel. Here are a few important queer women to know in women’s history:

1. Audre Lorde: Audre Lorde was a renowned poet, essayist, and feminist activist who used her words to speak out against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression. Lorde was open about her identity as a lesbian and her experiences as a Black queer woman, and her writings are celebrated for their intersectional approach to social justice.

2. Marsha P. Johnson: Marsha P. Johnson was a trailblazing transgender activist and drag queen who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Johnson co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), organizations that advocated for the rights of transgender and homeless individuals.

3. Sylvia Rivera: Sylvia Rivera was a transgender activist and co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and STAR alongside Marsha P. Johnson. Rivera was known for her tireless advocacy for the rights of transgender individuals, homeless youth, and people of color within the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism laid the foundation for the inclusion of transgender rights within the broader LGBTQ+ movement.

4. Bayard Rustin: Bayard Rustin was a key organizer of the civil rights movement and a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was heavily stigmatized, and faced discrimination within the civil rights movement because of his sexuality. Despite these challenges, Rustin continued to fight for equality and social justice for all marginalized communities.

5. Alison Bechdel: Alison Bechdel is a celebrated cartoonist and graphic memoirist known for her comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” and her graphic novel “Fun Home,” which explores her relationship with her father and her own coming out as a lesbian. Bechdel has been recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ+ literature and her unapologetic portrayal of queer identities.

These are just a few of the many queer women who have made lasting impacts in women’s history. Their courage, resilience, and dedication to social justice have inspired generations of queer individuals to embrace their identities and fight for equality. It is important to remember and celebrate the contributions of these women, as their stories are essential to understanding the complexities and intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and activism. By honoring their legacies, we can continue to amplify the voices of queer women and ensure that their stories are included in the larger narrative of women’s history.