We Have Always Existed — and We Will Not Be Erased

Michigan trans advocate Michelle Fox-Phillips reflects on the community's past struggles and present challenges

Marsha P. Johnson hands out flyers for support of gay students at N.Y.U. in 1970. Photo: New York Public Library/Diana Davies

Published: May 28, 2025 | Last Updated: June 6, 2025

The struggle for our existence began in August 1966 at Gene Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco. Fed up with constant police harassment, transgender women and gay men fought back when one person threw coffee in an officer's face. Fifty years later, in 2016, the city commemorated this pivotal moment with a plaque. In 1969, three years after the riot at Compton's Cafeteria, two trans women — Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson — stood at the forefront of the Stonewall riots, almost 30 years before I came out in a very different era in 1998.

Footage of the first Pride march held in New York City on June 28, 1970 from "Gay and Proud," a documentary by activist Lilli Vincenz. Video: Library of Congress

And since then, I've witnessed tremendous progress.

I remember Michigan's first rally for trans and non-binary people on the Capitol steps, organized by Rachel Crandall-Crocker in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility. Years later, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act was finally amended to include sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Last year brought another victory: We no longer need to be fingerprinted or have our names published when legally changing them, making the process safer for our community.

Yet here in 2025, we now stand at a new crossroads. We have a president who openly advocates for erasing us under the guise of fighting "gender ideology" — not just from history, but from our daily lives. Some states are following suit, passing laws that prevent gender-affirming care for trans youth and prohibit trans girls from playing sports that align with their identity. Here in Michigan this April, the state House passed a resolution — with support from eight Democratic members — to ban trans students from playing sports that match their gender identity (never mind that not a single Michigan transgender minor is registered to play sports with their high school). Now, the Michigan GOP has introduced bills banning gender-affirming care for youth.

Now is the time for all of us who identify as trans and non-binary to come out and fight alongside our allies. Be proud of who you are. I WILL NOT BE ERASED. This is my mantra — let it be yours.

Trans women and drag queens gather during the historic Compton's Cafeteria riot of August 1966 in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, where community members stood against persistent police harassment and brutality.

On May 30 this year, Gender-identity Network Alliance (GNA), Inclusive Justice, Equality Michigan Action Network and Stand with Trans held a rally on the Michigan Capitol steps to express our joy in living authentically. Several hundred people gathered to celebrate and connect with others from across the state. The rally ended with a glitter blessing from deacons and pastors. As Grace Bacon said that day, we must come together, make friends and build connections. If you see something, say something — but always prioritize your safety.

Our collective power is tangible. When we work together and stay on message, we can have a direct impact on decision-making that impacts our community. This year, a well-known hospital suspended gender-affirming care for youth following the president's executive order. After pressure from trans-supportive organizations and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, they reversed their decision.

Michelle Fox Phillips at a rally in Hamtramck when the city voted to ban Pride flags on city property in 2023. Courtesy photo — Michelle Fox-Phillips at a rally in Hamtramck when the city voted to ban Pride flags on city property in 2023. Courtesy photo

I encourage all queer people and allies to attend Pride events, meet people and forge connections, while acknowledging that the fight can be exhausting in every way. If you're struggling, and especially if you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.