Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a legendary figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, delivered a powerful and passionate speech to the LGBTQ+ caucus at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, urging attendees to “bring their best and get out there.”
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Known by the affectionate nickname “Miss Major,” she has been an advocate for transgender and gender nonconforming rights for decades and is often referred to as the “mother” of the movement.
Related: Follow Advocate reporter Christopher Wiggins’ live coverage of the DNC all week
Miss Major, a black genderqueer transgender woman, has spent her life fighting for the rights and dignity of those living on the margins of society, particularly transgender women of color. She participated in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a moment often seen as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Over the years, she has been a passionate advocate for prison abolition and has worked to support transgender people, particularly those who have been incarcerated or living with HIV or AIDS.
In her speech to the party conference, Miss Major did not hold back and made clear how much is at stake in the upcoming elections in November.
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“I’m not going back. I refuse to go back. And if (Donald Trump) thinks we’re going back, then fuck him in the ass,” she said to applause from those present. She stressed the importance of remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.
Related: How pro-LGBTQ+ is Kamala Harris?
“Most importantly, remember all the people who died in the years before. Go home, read through that crap (Project 2025), and then pull yourself together, put on your best clothes and go out there,” she urged.
In an interview with The lawyer Following her speech, Miss Major reflected on how important it was to attend the Democratic National Convention and witness the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s unbelievable because we haven’t experienced this in so many years. And now, seeing it the way I see it now, I’ve realized that I’m the reason for all this crap. And so I’m really surprised and very happy,” she said, adding: “I can’t really put into words how I feel, but it’s joyful.”
Related: Project 2025: A Blueprint for Oppressing LGBTQ+ Americans
Miss Major also spoke about the historic nature of Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination for President and the impact it could have on the future of the country and the LGBTQ+ community.
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“She’s going to break that glass ceiling, and when she breaks it, so many people from the bottom are going to come up and break that ceiling too,” she said. “I’m just overjoyed that we finally have someone we can believe in and trust, and that’s the most important thing: that we trust her.”
When asked about the upcoming events at the United Center, where LGBTQ+ leaders such as HRC President Kelley Robinson, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will speak, Miss Major expressed her excitement. Although she plans to watch the event on television, she emphasized the importance of the evening’s speeches.
“Everything will be so important because it shows that everyone is on the same page,” she said. “She (Harris) can do no wrong, so she needs to get going right away and do this soon.”
