NEED TO KNOW
- Trans activist and community leader Miss Major dies at 78 years old
- The author and “Mama” to many spent decades advocating for underserved LGBTQ+ individuals, and was reportedly a protester at the Stonewall uprising
- “Rest in absolute power Miss Major, we are forever indebted to you,” one person wrote
Activist and author Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, known professionally as Miss Major, has died.
In a post shared to her Instagram account on Monday, Oct. 13, the House of GG confirmed that Griffin-Gracy died “in the comfort of her home and surrounded by loved ones in Little Rock, Arkansas.” She was 78 years old.
A cause of death was not disclosed.
She was remembered as a “beloved leader and revolutionary figure in the TLGBQ liberation movement.”
Miss Major founded the House of GG (also known as The Griffin-Gracy Educational and Historical Center) to create safe spaces for the community and those who experience transphobia, racism, sexism, poverty, ableism and violence.
Additionally, the House of GG was a place to take “a break, swim, enjoy good food, laugh, listen to music, watch movies, and recharge for the ongoing fight for our lives,” the post shared.
“Her enduring legacy is a testament to her resilience, activism, and dedication to creating safe spaces for Black trans communities and all trans people–we are eternally grateful for Miss Major’s life, her contributions and how deeply she poured into those she loved,” the post read.
The tribute contained a single photo of Miss Major as she sat outside in a chair, looking towards the sky.
The Black trans activist was known as “Mama” to many, and fought for equality for more than fifty years, according to the social media post.
Her decades of helping the underserved dates back decades, when she began advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS in New York.
Along the way, Miss Major also worked in prisons to mentor “her ‘gurls’ inside.”
“She affirmed that our lives hold meaning and that we stand on the shoulders of giants like her, whose courageous love and relentless fight assured our right to live with dignity. We will forever honor her memory, her steadfast presence, and her enduring commitment to our collective liberation,” the tribute continued.
Miss Major’s comment section was also filled with messages from people she inspired.
“May peace, rest, and an infinitely harmonious reality be upon Miss Major, for the rest of eternity. We will continue to uphold the legacy of love, righteousness, Truth and dignity that miss Major has held for and with us,” Pose star Indya Moore wrote.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Queer femme activist and sex educator Ericka Hart added, “Rest in absolute power Miss Major, we are forever indebted to you.”
Miss Major is survived by her longtime partner, Beck Witt; three sons Asaiah, Christopher, and Jonathon; her many daughters; the successor of the Miss Major Alexander L. Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center; and sisters Tracie O’Brien and Billie Cooper.
Read the full article here