The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson — Tourmaline in conversation with Chase Strangio

October 6, 2025, 7-8:30 p.m.
Panel Conversation, All Ages
Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library

630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

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In partnership with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’s ALOUD series, the ACLU of Southern California presents a timely and important conversation about current transgender issues in our country with renowned award-winning artist, filmmaker, and national bestselling author Tourmaline and transgender rights expert and ACLU national attorney Chase Strangio. Tourmaline will also discuss her latest book, the first definitive biography of the revolutionary activist Marsha P. Johnson—one of the most important and remarkable figures in LGBTQIA+ history—and how her story and legacy can inspire us today.

Participant Bios: 

Tourmaline is an artist, filmmaker, and writer. Her history-making book MARSHA (May 2025) is the first definitive biography of revolutionary Black trans activist Marsha P. Johnson. Her award-winning films and artwork—held in the Met, MoMA, and Whitney—blend history and futurism. Tourmaline is a Guggenheim Fellow and TIME100 Honoree.

Chase Strangio is co-director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project as well as a nationally recognized expert on transgender rights. Chase’s work includes impact litigation, as well as legislative and administrative advocacy, on behalf of LGBTQ people and people living with HIV across the United States.

This program is organized by ACLU SoCal and is co-presented with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.

  • The Library Foundation of Los Angeles provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the millions of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the Los Angeles Public Library and promotes greater awareness of its valuable resources.