“We are the most gorgeous, special things on earth.” Venus Xtravaganza was featured in *Paris Is Burning,* the seminal drag-ball documentary from 1990.

“Hell hath no fury like a drag queen scorned,” said Sylvia Rivera, an outspoken transgender advocate. She fought loudly for queer civil rights, starting with the Stonewall riot, in 1969, and up to her death, in 2002.

Rita Hester’s 1998 murder led to the first Transgender Day of Remembrance. What started as a Web project and candlelight vigil to honor her memory is now an international day of mourning and activism.

Herstory

“We need to do everything in our power to support the transgender community—not just during Pride Month, but always. This world was already unsafe for trans and non-binary people, especially for black trans women, and the Trump administration’s heartless efforts to repeal transgender rights only increases the violence and bigotry,” says artist Grant Shaffer. “If you can, please get involved and check out the Hetrick-Martin Institute, where L.G.B.T.Q. youths are ‘encouraged to live as their true authentic selves, free of stigma, bias and fear.’” (hmi.org)