Pioneering Activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy Celebrated for Trans Rights

In Alabama, the legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a pivotal figure in the fight for transgender rights, continues to thrive through the work of two Black-led organizations dedicated to supporting the community. These entities have provided essential services, including food and shelter, to those in need, honoring the spirit of a leader whose impact resonates deeply with activists today.

A memorial event commemorating what would have been Miss Major’s birthday took place on October 18, 2023, at the Mosaic Templars Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Miss Major, who passed away on the same date, was celebrated for over fifty years of activism that spanned the United States. Her journey began during the historic Stonewall Riot in June 1969, where she stood defiantly against police harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals, marking a significant moment in the fight for equality.

In the 1980s, she founded Angels of Care, a group dedicated to caring for those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Later, she served as the director of a transgender drop-in clinic in San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare. After relocating to Arkansas in 2018, she established a sanctuary for transgender individuals, creating spaces that emphasized rest and community support. Miss Major lived by her empowering mantra, “I’m still f**king here!” which encapsulated her resilience and commitment to the cause.

Her legacy is particularly significant in Alabama, a state facing increasing anti-trans legislation, including laws criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors. Organizations such as TAKE and TKO, founded by activists like Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd and led by TC Caldwell, have emerged as vital resources for the Black transgender community. TAKE has evolved into a multimillion-dollar nonprofit, offering job readiness training, legal assistance, and emergency shelter through its facility, Gloria’s Safe Haven.

Duncan-Boyd, who founded TAKE in 2013, credits Miss Major with instilling the values of community building. “We have to stay together. We must continue to fight,” she emphasized, recalling how Miss Major’s mentorship inspired her to persist in the face of adversity. The challenges faced by Black trans individuals are stark: according to a 2011 analysis by the National LGBTQ Task Force, the unemployment rate for Black trans people stands at 26 percent, and 41 percent experience homelessness.

Miss Major’s influence extended beyond her direct involvement in advocacy. Caldwell reflected on her ability to connect with people on a personal level, stating, “No one was turned away from a gesture of kindness from Mama Major.” Her warmth and genuine care made her a beloved figure in the community, and her visits to Alabama fostered connections among activists.

The recent Black Trans Futures Fellowship program, co-hosted by TKO and the ACLU of Alabama, featured Miss Major as a guest speaker. This initiative aimed to equip Black and trans leaders with skills to combat anti-trans rhetoric and legislation. Her presence not only inspired the fellows but also reinforced the importance of intergenerational mentorship within the movement.

In addition to her activism, Miss Major championed the need for joy and community among oppressed groups. The House of GG, a retreat space she envisioned, serves as a sanctuary for Black trans individuals, allowing them to find respite from societal pressures. “It’s a chance to get away, get yourself together and then go back and give ‘em hell,” she said, highlighting the need for balance between activism and personal well-being.

As Alabama grapples with a wave of anti-trans policies, the work of organizations like TAKE and TKO is more critical than ever. They not only provide essential services but also create spaces for healing and empowerment. Caldwell noted the importance of compassion in advocacy, emphasizing that Miss Major’s approach to care transformed the landscape of activism.

The commitment of Duncan-Boyd and Caldwell to uphold Miss Major’s legacy is evident in their ongoing efforts to support the community. “We’re gonna chant her name till we can’t chant no more,” said Rae Banks, another activist inspired by Miss Major’s resilience. She encapsulated the sentiment shared by many in the movement: Miss Major’s spirit remains alive in the hearts of those fighting for justice and dignity for all.

In a world where transphobia continues to present formidable challenges, the tenacity exhibited by leaders like Miss Major and the organizations she inspired offers hope and a blueprint for future activism. The community stands united, driven by the lessons learned from a pioneer whose impact will not be forgotten.