When we talk about the trailblazers of history, the stories of LGBTQIA+ women are often overlooked, yet their impact is undeniable. From fighting for civil rights to breaking barriers in art, politics, and science, these women changed the world.
If you dream of becoming an astronaut, an activist, a writer, or anything in between, the women in this list prove that anything is possible. Their stories are here to inspire you to live boldly and fearlessly, no matter what challenges you face.
Why Is It Important to Honor LGBTQIA+ Women Who Changed History?
The stories of LGBTQIA+ women have often been erased from history, but that doesn't mean their contributions didn't change the world. We learn about these women to ensure their stories live on and continue to inspire.
Seeing yourself reflected in history is powerful. It reminds you that you belong, that your voice matters, and that you have the power to make a difference.
LGBTQIA+ Women Who Changed History
Here are some of the most influential LGBTQIA+ women who made history across different fields. Let their stories inspire you to dream big and be fearless in chasing your goals.
Marsha P. Johnson (1945 - 1992)
Field: Activism
Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman and drag queen, was one of the most important figures in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a major event that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Marsha was fearless, joyful, and dedicated to fighting for the rights of queer and trans people, especially those who were unhoused or struggling.
Her courage and love for her community changed the world. Today, Marsha is remembered as a symbol of resilience and power and one of the greatest historical figures in the American LGBTQIA+ community.
Notable Quote: "As long as my people don't have their rights across America, there's no reason for celebration."
Learn More: Marsha P. Johnson Biography
Audre Lorde (1934 - 1992)
Field: Literature, Activism
Audre Lorde described herself as a "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet." She wrote powerful books and essays about race, gender, and sexuality and never backed down from speaking the truth. Audre believed that embracing one's identity was a form of resistance and that every voice mattered.
Her writing inspires activists and creatives today to stand up for themselves and others.
Notable Work: Sister Outsider (1984)
Learn More: Audre Lorde Biography
Lorena Borjas (1960 - 2020)
Field: Activism
Lorena Borjas was a Mexican-American transgender activist who dedicated her life to defending and uplifting transgender people, especially trans people of color. She founded the Lorena Borjas Community Fund to support transgender immigrants and provide resources to those in need. Lorena also advocated fiercely for the rights of sex workers and worked to ensure that transgender people could live freely without fear of violence or discrimination.
Her tireless work has had a lasting impact on the transgender community, and her legacy inspires those who fight for justice and equality.
Notable Quote: "I don't want to be remembered for the things I did, but for the lives I changed."
Learn More: The Story of Lorena Borjas
Lorraine Hansberry (1930 - 1965)
Field: Playwriting, Activism
Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway. Her play A Raisin in the Sun is still one of the most famous and powerful plays ever written about the Black experience in America.
Lorraine was also part of the LGBTQIA+ community and used her platform to write about race, gender, and sexuality. Her story shows that art can change the world, and you can too.
Notable Work: A Raisin in the Sun (1959)
Learn More: Lorraine Hansberry Biography
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (1940 - Present)
Field: Activism
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, often simply known as Miss Major, has spent her entire life fighting for trans women of color and people impacted by the prison system. She was present during the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and has continued advocating for the most marginalized people in the LGBTQIA+ community ever since.
Her message is simple but powerful: love, community, and resilience will always win.
Notable Quote: "I'm a survivor, not a victim. I'm still here, and I’m still fighting."
Learn More: Life Story: Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Sally Ride (1951 - 2012)
Field: Science, Space Exploration
Sally Ride was the first American woman—and the first known LGBTQIA+ person—to travel to space. Her 1983 journey aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger proved that women could do anything.
Sally kept her relationship with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, private during her lifetime, but she is now remembered as a trailblazing astronaut and advocate for women in science. Sally's story is a reminder that there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Notable Achievement: First American woman in space (1983)
Learn More: Sally Ride Biography
Nancy Valverde (1932–2024)
Field: Activism
Nancy Valverde was a Chicana lesbian activist who stood up to unfair laws that targeted people for dressing in gender-nonconforming ways. When police arrested her repeatedly for wearing men's clothing, Nancy taught herself the law and challenged the system.
Her bravery helped change the law and protect queer people in Los Angeles — and her story reminds us that standing up for yourself can create real change.
Notable Achievement: Fighting and overturning discriminatory laws against gender nonconformity.
Learn More: The Chicana butch lesbian who defied the LAPD – and won: ‘I couldn’t be someone else’
Margaret Cho (1968 - Present)
Field: Comedy, Acting, Activism
Margaret Cho is a Korean-American comedian, actress, and LGBTQIA+ activist known for her fearless and hilarious stand-up comedy. She often talks about race, sexuality, and social justice in her work, proving that humor can be a powerful tool for change.
Margaret's visibility and voice have paved the way for queer Asian representation in entertainment. She shows that you can be loud, proud, and unapologetically yourself.
Notable Quote: "When you feel powerful, you are willing to stand up for your rights, you are willing to stand up for what you believe in, you're more willing to stand up and be counted."
Learn more: Margaret Cho: Comedy & queer politics are 'absolutely linked'
Sylvia Rivera (1951 - 2002)
Field: Activism
Sylvia Rivera was a pioneering transgender activist and a foundational figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. She was an early member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. Along with Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) in 1970. STAR was a group focused on advocating for homeless transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, and providing them with shelter, food, and support.
Sylvia's bold activism and commitment to marginalized communities laid the groundwork for the modern transgender rights movement. She never stopped fighting for the most vulnerable in society, particularly trans women and gender non-conforming people.
Notable Quote: "I have not given up the struggle, and I will never give up the struggle."
Learn more: Sylvia Rivera Biography
Cecilia Chung (1968 - Present)
Field: Activism
Cecilia Chung is a transgender activist and public health advocate who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those impacted by HIV. As one of the first openly transgender women to hold a prominent position in public health, Cecilia has used her platform to advocate for the rights of transgender people, immigrants, and people of color.
She has served on the board of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and continues to fight for social justice and health equality.
Notable Achievement: Advocate for transgender rights and public health reform, instrumental in the fight for the rights of marginalized communities.
Learn more: Cecilia Chung's Story
You Can Change History, Too
The women in this article didn't wait for permission to make a difference. They showed up, spoke out, and lived authentically. And you can do the same.
Whether you want to write stories, lead marches, create art, or change laws, your voice matters. The LGBTQIA+ women who came before you proved that one person can change the world. So dream big, stay bold, and know that you have the power to make history, too.
If you're looking for a place to find community and support, Out Youth is here for you. And if you ever need inspiration, remember the women who came before you and how they turned their dreams into change.
Your story matters. And you can change history, too.