The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

It took me awhile to get around to watching this documentary but when I did, it was incredibly worth it. I re-watch it on occasion, because something about this documentary pulls me in.

The documentary follows Victoria Cruz as she tries to follow the trail of the cold case surrounding the death of well know trans activist Marsha P. Johnson. Beyond this base story, we see much more though. I feel the documentary comunicates several important things. It educates, about her, the woman we love, Marsha, it gives us a glimpse into the history of trans rights and queer activism, it tells us of the issues trans activists and trans people still faces today, but it also, in many senses, the documentary offers a ray of light, hope, maybe, by showing us as a community how far we have come.

In conclusion, one of my number one pride month movies!

This film is an excellent example of the Documentary genre. Expertly researched and edited to allow viewers not familiar with the material to engage with a true story easily and compassionately. It has moments of mystery and a sense of a thriller and ultimately is a simple tale of a legendary activist who fought for truth and justice in a time where the LGBTQ community were only just showing their collective voice.

The death of Marsha P. Johnson was a turning point in holding police and their political string-pullers to account and the rare film clips of Marsha and her friends give the film an extra layer of engagement.

It's not hysterical. It's not over-done. It's not a film that can be dismissed. In its gently unfolding way it tells the story of this incredible personality of the Stonewall Riots.

Highly recommended for all audiences.

Wow.. this documentary is beautiful! So much to learn for people that would open their eyes and heart and be human(e). What I saw mostly was the fight against injustice in many ways, and the almost saint-like Marsha that shared so much of herself. It's always people with the least privilege that share the most. I found that part when Sylvia took the stage very powerful, and speech she gave and the reaction that it got showed the hypocrisy of many (gay people) in the white middle class and up that just took what they wanted and moved on leaving the others in the dirt. The people doing real work in the trenches almost never get their shine.. Later on, the times we live in now.. people jump on a bandwagon and think they are holy for adopting a mind-state that seems to portray open mindedness, but it doesn't. We need to stop worshiping celebs and give props to those that are not super-visible..try and recognise them, they are seldom seen and at the same time they are there...Mostly they are not shiny, not superclean, they are scarred and broken from lifting so much weight. See them. Strong documentary.

Very painful to see how much Sylvia has struggled. Beautiful to see how Marsha shared her light. I love it when a documentary sheds light on people that are unseen, people that fought justice and gave love where there was so much darkness and hate.

Every young LGBTQ+ person should watch this. A great documentary about a strong woman.

It's heartwarming and devastating at the same time. It's a bit slow and it should be better edited, but it's an enormous lesson on empathy for us cisgender people with a roof above our heads to learn.