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Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Stonewall Uprising: A Look at Transgender Activists Who Led the Movement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights fight, occurred 56 years ago and sparked a movement led in part by two transgender activists: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. The Context The Stonewall uprising began after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, sparking protests and pushback from the local LGBTQ+ community. Johnson and Rivera emerged as two community leaders from the movement, though there is debate about their exact involvement during the protests. Earlier this year, the Trump administration sparked backlash after removing references to transgender people from the Stonewall National Monument website. Meanwhile, the Pride Month display at the Stonewall National Monument excluded transgender pride flags this year, according to ABC News. LGBTQ+ activists have raised concerns about attempts to erase the history of transgender activists this year. What To Know The exact history of Stonewall is complicated, and accounts from participants have varied over the years. Who exactly threw the first brick at Stonewall, for instance, has been debated, and there remains no clear consensus on the question. Still, Johnson and Rivera emerged from Stonewall as two of the most prominent leaders in New York's LGBTQ+ community who would shape the movement for decades to come. The uprising began early on June 28, 1969, when patrons at the bar fought back against police harassment during a raid. The riots continued for about six days and drew national attention to the LGBTQ+ rights cause. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty Johnson had said she was not at Stonewall when the uprising began and showed up a bit later. But she was among the most prominent participants in the days-long riots, resisting police after they raided the bar. In one well-reported account of the riots, Johnson climbed up a lamppost to drop a heavy object onto a police car. Rivera, who was 17 years old at the time of the riots, had also said that she was in attendance, although some historians have questioned whether she was present at Stonewall on the first night of the riot. Historian David Carter wrote in 2019 for The Gay City News that activist Bob Kohler, who was present at the riots, told him Rivera was not at Stonewall. But the debate about who was at Stonewall when is "pointless and silly," Michael Bronski, author of A Queer History of the United States, told Newsweek. He said it's important to look at the activists' work after Stonewall, such as the founding of Street Transvestite Activists Revolutionaries (STAR) and the first halfway house for young gender non-conforming individuals. STAR was an organization founded in 1970 by Johnson and Rivera to support transgender people. It was an early activist group for trans rights that went on to inspire others in the movement. At the time, notably, the term "transgender" was not in use, so the term "drag queen" was used to describe Johnson and Rivera, though they are considered to be transgender. They had also used the term "transvestite," which is now considered outdated or offensive by many, despite its historical use. Héctor Carrillo, a professor of sociology and sexuality & gender studies, told Newsweek it is "not automatic" that all drag queens at Stonewall would think of themselves as transgender, as the trans movement "didn't crystallize until the 1990s." While activists like Johnson and Rivera are now recognized as pioneers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, at the time, the transgender community was not "idolized" by many gay and lesbian people, Bronski said. "Back then, often the queer community, the more mainstream queer community, was not particularly open to trans people, and for some reasons—if trans people went into a bar, police might be likely to raid the bar. Trans people were more hassled on the streets by police," he said. Vincent Stephens, an associate dean of diversity and inclusion at Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences, told Newsweek activists like Johnson and Rivera were "integral to really being at the forefront of liberation." After Stonewall, groups like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) were founded to advance the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, he said. But those groups had many "internal fissures" that caused women and people of color to break off. This led to the creation of STAR. "In many ways, they were integral to articulate the needs and concerns of gender nonconforming people," Stephens said. "They also exposed in many ways a tension within the queer community, which is that some people who were very focused on concerns of gay men and the concerns of lesbians but weren't necessary addressing concerns of gender-nonconforming people. STAR is an early example of gender non-conforming people organizing and saying, 'We are integral to this.'" The two continued working on causes including AIDS and homelessness throughout their lives, as well as remaining active in the battle for LGBTQ+ rights. Stonewall Anniversary Comes as Many View New Attacks on LGBTQ+ Community This year's anniversary of the riots comes as many in the LGBTQ+ community see setbacks in a legal sense, as well as a shift in public opinion against gay and trans rights. The Trump administration's removal of mentions of the transgender community from the Stonewall National Monument website is among those concerns. Bronski said the erasure of the transgender community cannot be viewed "in isolation." Those who oppose gay rights have realized they cannot push for the eradication of the gay community from public life, but could still "focus on the most vulnerable of those people, which is trans community," he said. "I think it's really telling that they didn't get rid of all of LGBT, but just the T. I think they knew that getting rid of LGB would cause complete outrage, but you can get away with getting rid of the T because there's enough ambivalence and lack of understanding about transgender people," he said. A key part of the legacy of Stonewall is remembering that 1969 wasn't all that long ago, Stephens said. "Many of the fights that LGBTQ+ people have been fighting are relatively recent fights, and the fight is not over," he said. "We have to think about the long-term vision for how we want to exist as human beings and as contributors to society. Stonewall reminds us that we have to sometimes get up, take risks and advocate for ourselves." Every movement "needs a moment," and Stonewall is that for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, Bronski said. While LGBTQ+ Pride Month has become "very commercialized," it's still important to remember the deeper meaning behind the role of power in society and how that can harm people. "There is a great lesson to be learned that what happens to the most vulnerable people can happen to anyone," he said. What People Are Saying Héctor Carrillo, a professor of sociology and sexuality & gender studies, told Newsweek: "The Stonewall Uprising acquired enormous cultural symbolism. It came to be seen as marking the beginning of the LGBTQ movement, even when there had been other instances of gay and lesbian protest before. Those include the Mattachine Society's picketing and the Compton Cafeteria riot in San Francisco in 1966. GLAAD criticized the Trump administration's move to remove references to the trans community from the Stonewall National Monument website in February: "The Stonewall Uprising – a monumental moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights – would not have happened without the leadership of transgender and gender non-conforming people. The tireless work of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and countless other trans women of color paved the way and continue to inspire us. You can try to erase our history, but we will never forget those who came before us and we will continue to fight for all those who will come after us."
Black America Web
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride
SOPA Images A post that went up on our Instagram earlier this month sparked a bit of controversy in the comments (seen below) when we declared the month of June as an intersection between Black Music Month, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month and Pride Month. Of course, the issue came down to the latter's inclusion as some still fail to believe that Black culture can be connected to the LGBTQIA movement — yes, homophobia on various levels unfortunately still exists within our community. However, on the eve of commemorating the Stonewall Riots Anniversary (June 28) that sparked Pride Month altogether, we wanted to take a brief look at the Black drag queen that pioneered the movement from its violent inception to marching in the very first Pride Day Parade: the late Marsha P. Johnson. RELATED: Happy Pride Month: Celebrate 10 Black OG Influencers Who Paved The Way [Gallery] Marsha P. Johnson stands as an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and activism. A Black transgender woman and revolutionary figure in LGBTQ+ history, Johnson's contributions transcend time, inspiring generations to fight for equality. Marsha played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Her presence at the uprising—widely regarded as the spark that ignited modern Pride movements—was marked by defiance and solidarity. At a time when queer individuals were criminalized and marginalized, Johnson stood on the frontline, embodying the fight against systemic oppression. Her courage underpinned a broader struggle for freedom, reminding the world that Black queer voices are an integral part of social progress. Beyond Stonewall, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Sylvia Rivera. This organization provided shelter and support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans people of color. Through STAR, Marsha championed the rights of those overlooked by mainstream society, offering safe spaces and a voice to the most vulnerable. Her impact endures as a intersectional icon—her identity as a Black, transgender individual highlights the struggles and contributions of people living at the intersections of multiple forms of discrimination. Today, Marsha's legacy fuels Pride Month celebrations and underscores the necessity of equity in both LGBTQ+ and racial justice movements. Johnson's life was tragically cut short in 1992 under suspicious circumstances, yet her memory remains a beacon of hope and action. Pride Month is a time to amplify her powerful message: equality is non-negotiable, and the fight for liberation requires unity across all communities. Marsha P. Johnson's bravery continues to inspire, cementing her place as a towering icon of resilience and unyielding activism. The article 'Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride' was created with the help of SEE ALSO
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia's Leap In WCR 2025 Underpinned By Public Service Reforms
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's improved standing in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 is underpinned by a strong institutional reform framework driven by the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said among the key initiatives is the Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR), which he chaired this morning, attended by all secretaries-general and heads of services. 'During my meeting at the IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland last year, I explained how Malaysia's public service is implementing service delivery reforms swiftly and decisively. 'This is manifested through the STAR team at the operational level, which has successfully coordinated over 1,000 bureaucratic red tape reform (RKB) projects nationwide,' he said in a Facebook post today. He said for instance, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) now uses artificial intelligence (AI) to approve building plans within a day, down from the previous 14 days. 'In Kedah, land development applications that used to take over a year can now be resolved within three months through the Land Approval Guarantee Management Initiative (iUJKT) platform. 'At the Works Ministry, approval time for building materials has been shortened from 30 days to 14 days, and many other red tape reduction projects are actively underway,' he said. Shamsul Azri expressed confidence that with the strong commitment of all parties involved, Malaysia will continue to excel in global competitiveness rankings in the years to come. The latest WCR 2025 report shows Malaysia rising 11 places from 34th in 2024 to 23rd position, marking the country's best performance since 2020.
Time Business News
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Eco Home Upgrades That Boost Property Value Fast
Planning a renovation to increase the value of your home? Instead of concentrating on big-ticket projects like the kitchen or bathrooms, consider upgrades that fare well on the eco-friendly barometer. Yes, a well-manicured lawn or modern exterior features are great for curb appeal, but buyers are looking past aesthetics. They're asking a crucial question: 'How eco-friendly is this home?' From solar panels to Tesla charger installation, green features are the new gold standard for homeowners wanting to boost value and appeal. And the numbers don't lie. Eco upgrades help the planet and provide an attractive return on investment. More homebuyers are prioritizing sustainability. The National Association of Realtors reports that 63% of buyers stated energy efficiency had a significant impact on their purchasing decisions. Climate concerns, rising utility costs, and a push toward green living make eco upgrades more than a luxury. 'Today's buyers want homes that align with their values,' says Homestead Funding. 'They're willing to pay more for homes that save money and reduce carbon footprints in the long run.' Below, we'll break down the top green upgrades that can increase home value and why they matter to modern homeowners. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche products. As of 2024, over 3 million EVs are on U.S. roads, and the number is rapidly growing. Installing a Tesla home charger or other EV-compatible wall connector is a small change that packs a big punch. It makes your home future-ready and attracts eco-conscious buyers seeking convenience. ChargerPro explains that a garage with a dedicated Tesla charger signals innovation, energy awareness, and high-end functionality. Bottom line? A $1,000-$2,000 purchase could help your property stand out and sell faster. Bring in the experts and an electrician to set up an electrical panel with wiring, so you have easy access to charge your EV. Swapping old, drafty windows with insulation improves comfort and slashes energy bills. ENERGY STAR estimates homeowners can save up to $465 annually by upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Your home is cheap to run and more appealing to buyers who want long-term savings. Improved insulation and windows sometimes qualify for federal tax credits through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. In our books, that's a win-win for your wallet and resale value. Solar energy has gone mainstream. A rooftop solar setup can boost your home's value by 4.1% on average, according to Zillow. The return on investment is roughly $15,000 on a $375,000 house. Buyers are increasingly drawn to solar-ready homes because they have the dual benefit of lower electricity bills and long-term energy independence. Thanks to incentives like the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, the upfront cost is more manageable. Eco-friendly doesn't have to mean complicated. Simple upgrades such as smart thermostats, low-flow toilets, and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are low-effort ways to make your home greener. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually. These small touches signal to buyers that your home is modern and mindful. There's a huge demand for turnkey, nature-friendly homes. Milend highlights that homes with green certifications and upgrades sell faster and closer to the asking price. This is particularly true in markets where buyers are younger, tech-savvy, and climate-aware. Zillow found that more than 70% of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly features. A 2024 survey cited by the Wandsworth Guardian showed that homeowners now rank eco upgrades higher than traditional 'value boosters.' Kitchen remodels or bathroom makeovers are no longer the deciding factors. Why? Solar panels, EV chargers, and upgraded insulation equate to ongoing financial benefits. When the time comes to list your property, these upgrades become compelling selling points. Many real estate listings now emphasize 'EV charger installed' or 'solar-equipped' in the first few lines. You don't have to go off the grid to increase your home's value. Here's a simple roadmap: A home energy audit identifies where you're losing energy and money. Many utility companies offer them free or at low cost. Focus on insulation, windows, and HVAC systems first, then layer in smart tech features. Check out for federal and state tax breaks. Many upgrades qualify for rebates, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs. Eco upgrades are no longer environmental add-ons but a smart financial move. Each step toward a greener home increases curb appeal, reduces long-term costs, and positions your property for a stronger resale. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AI helps woman get pregnant after 20 years of failed fertility treatments in historic IVF breakthrough
A New York couple is finally having a baby after almost two decades of failing to conceive a long, emotionally trying, physically draining, and medically frustrating ride. Their story, foiled by 15 failed IVF treatments and consultations from experts on every continent, was redeemed by an AI-based fertility tool designed at Columbia University. It's a breathtaking medical milestone that could change the face of treatment for male infertility globally. The long-awaited pregnancy of the couple is not only a medical success; it's a victory of endurance, ingenuity, and the ability of technology to overcome very intimate kinds of difficulties. For those with apparently insurmountable barriers, this case provides something invaluable: hope. With the help of AI, the era of reproductive health is about to experience a breakthrough period where even the most challenging fertility situations can be addressed not with desperation, but with data, precision, and empathy. AI brings new hope as woman gets pregnant after 20 years of failed IVF by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Order New Blinds Online & Get $199 Home Installation Learn More Undo For the majority of couples, fertility treatments are emotionally and financially exhausting—if not more so when they are unsuccessful time and time again. This couple was no exception. They struggled for nearly 20 years to have a biological child. Even with access to cutting-edge fertility treatment, surgeries, and international consultations, they were consistently given the same message: conception was all but impossible. The fundamental problem was with the husband, whom the doctor diagnosed with azoospermia , a rare but serious condition where no sperm is present in the ejaculate. Introducing STAR: The AI tool revolutionising male infertility treatment Just when hope appeared to be lost, the couple approached Dr. Zev Williams, a fertility specialist at Columbia University , whose team had been developing a cutting-edge technology: Sperm Track and Recovery (STAR). The AI system was developed to identify good sperm in semen samples where previously none were seen. How STAR works: A microfluidic chip filters and isolates constituents in the semen. A high-speed imaging system takes millions of microscopic frames. A machine learning algorithm scrutinizes these images to spot rare, cryptic sperm—even a few viable cells that might be used in IVF. "Finding a needle in a thousand haystacks" is how Dr. Williams described it. "But STAR can accomplish that in a couple of hours. And it's so gentle the sperm it retrieves can still be used to fertilize an egg." AI breakthrough helps couple conceive after 20 years of infertility In this New York couple's situation, standard lab technicians spent two entire days searching through the semen sample, but couldn't locate a single sperm cell. STAR located 44 viable sperm, though, within an hour—a figure large enough to continue with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Miraculously, the pair did not require further cycles of hormonal treatment or surgery. With the sperm isolated by STAR, the IVF cycle went smoothly in March 2025. It worked—and the pair is now pregnant with their first child. Dr. Williams noted that the case is by no means a fluke. STAR has the potential to overturn fertility treatment, particularly for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Non-invasive: No surgery is required to look for or retrieve sperm. Accurate: AI can locate what trained experts may not spot. Hope-restoring: For couples informed their chances were "zero," this provides a new avenue. Affects 1 in 6 people worldwide, states the World Health Organization, and male infertility accounts for roughly 50% of these. For many, diagnosis of azoospermia seemed the end of the road until now. Broader future of AI in reproductive health Whereas STAR today solves sperm detection, scientists think AI can revolutionize many other aspects of fertility treatment as well: Detecting high-quality eggs and embryos Being able to predict IVF success rates Tailoring treatment protocols Finding subtle abnormalities in reproductive tissue "There are things happening that we are not aware of now," said Dr. Williams. "But with AI, we can finally observe them." What is Azoospermia: The "hidden" cause of male infertility Azoospermia occurs in about 1 in 100 men and is responsible for 10–15% of male infertility. It exists in two types: Obstructive azoospermia: The testes generate sperm, but it can't be ejaculated because there are blockages in the reproductive system. Non-obstructive azoospermia: The body is not able to produce sperm at all or only in very low amounts. Some common reasons are: Genetic disorders Chemotherapy or radiation therapy Hormonal imbalance Drug abuse or exposure to toxins Structural defects such as varicoceles (dilated veins in the scrotum) Conventional therapies for azoospermia usually include risky operations to harvest sperm directly from the testes or using donor sperm—both of which pose emotional and ethical challenges for most couples. Also Read | Ed Sheeran's wife Cherry Seaborn worked at Deloitte for 10 years; her LinkedIn profile goes viral AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
