Transgender individuals have often been at the front lines of the movement for equality. Most notably, the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—the spark for the modern pride movement—was led by trans women of color like and Sylvia Rivera .

: Do not assume someone’s sexual orientation, medical history, or transition plans based on their gender identity [3]. Support Inclusive Spaces

Elements of this culture—slang (like "slay," "tea," and "shade"), dance styles (vogueing), and aesthetic sensibilities—have been adopted by global pop culture. While this brings visibility, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for the trans community to receive credit and compensation for their cultural exports. The Modern "Trans Joy" Movement

But the reverse is also true: there is a small but loud movement, arguing that gay and lesbian rights have been "hijacked" by trans issues. Such splintering is ahistorical, failing to recognize that the closet, the police beating, and the workplace firing happen to trans people with even greater frequency.

In response, grassroots groups like the (feeding Black trans people) and Trans Lifeline (peer support) have emerged, explicitly centering intersectionality. LGBTQ culture is slowly learning that trans liberation must be anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and disability-inclusive—or it is no liberation at all.