Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: A Legacy of Fierce Love and Liberation

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy wasn’t just a name in the history of trans activism—she was a force. A world-builder. A mama to many. And a revolutionary whose life embodied resilience, radical love, and unapologetic truth.

Born in Chicago in October 1946, Miss Major knew from an early age that she was female, despite being assigned male at birth. Her journey was marked by rejection, incarceration, and systemic violence—but also by fierce resistance and community care. She was a veteran of the Stonewall uprising, a survivor of Attica State Prison, and a tireless advocate for trans women of color, especially those impacted by incarceration and police brutality.

From Stonewall to Sanctuary

Miss Major’s activism spanned over five decades. She served as the first executive director of the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP), where she fought for the rights and dignity of incarcerated trans people. Her leadership wasn’t about boardrooms or bureaucracy—it was about showing up, speaking truth, and holding space for those most often left behind.

In 2019, she founded the House of GG—Griffin-Gracy Educational and Historical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was more than a retreat; it was a sanctuary. A place to swim, laugh, eat, rest, and recharge. A place for trans folks—especially Black trans women—to heal from trauma and reconnect with joy.

A Revolutionary Until the End

Miss Major passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by loved ones in her Little Rock home. Her death was met with an outpouring of grief, gratitude, and celebration. She had been receiving hospice care after battling health complications, including sepsis and a blood clot.

But even in death, her legacy roars. She taught us that activism isn’t just protest—it’s love. It’s care. It’s showing up for your people, again and again, even when the world tries to erase you.

Why Her Legacy Matters Now

In a time when trans rights are under attack and Black trans women continue to face disproportionate violence, Miss Major’s life is a blueprint for resistance. She didn’t just fight systems—she nurtured souls. She reminded us that liberation must be intersectional, rooted in lived experience, and fueled by love.

Her story is a call to action for all of us—especially those of us who write, educate, and build community. Whether you're crafting SEO-rich content or hosting workshops, remember Miss Major’s ethos: speak truth, center the most marginalized, and never forget the power of joy.