The first time I truly saw a trans person, they were standing on Christopher Street. It was Venus Xtravaganza, captured in a still from the documentary “Paris Is Burning,” a beacon of poise against the backdrop of the Christopher Street Pier. As a young person discovering myself, this image resonated deeply. Venus, a transgender drag performer, stood there as if Christopher Street was her own living room, the sunset painting the sky in vibrant hues behind her. It was an introduction to a place that held a profound significance for people like her, and like me.
Christopher Street, nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, and the nearby Hudson River piers, have been sanctuaries for generations of trans and queer individuals. These weren’t just streets and piers; they were spaces where people marginalized by society could find reflections of themselves in others. In a world that often tried to erase their identities, Christopher Street offered a stage for self-discovery and acceptance. Here, the spectrum of identities blossomed: transgender, transsexual, non-binary, genderqueer, femme, butch, drag kings and queens – a vibrant tapestry of expressions challenging societal norms.
Alt text: Venus Xtravaganza, a transgender performer from “Paris Is Burning,” stands confidently on Christopher Street Pier at sunset, embodying the spirit of the queer community.
This street is more than just a location; it’s a landmark in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The Stonewall Inn, located on Christopher Street, became the epicenter of a pivotal moment in 1969. When police raided the gay bar on June 28th, the patrons, a diverse group including homeless youth, sex workers, and trans people like the legendary Marsha P. Johnson, decided to resist. This wasn’t a planned rebellion, but a spontaneous uprising against years of oppression and discrimination. For days, thousands joined the protests, fueled by a collective desire for liberation. These were people with little material wealth, but they possessed the courage to put their bodies on the line, demanding recognition and respect.
Alt text: Archival image capturing the energy of the Stonewall Riots on Christopher Street, a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Nearly half a century later, the legacy of Christopher Street as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ movement is undeniable. President Obama officially recognized this historical significance in June, designating the area around the Stonewall Inn as the nation’s first national monument dedicated to the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. This acknowledgment cemented Christopher Street’s place in history, not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for the entire nation.
However, the passage of time has brought changes, not all of them positive. Gentrification has transformed Greenwich Village, leading to shifts in attitudes towards the trans and queer community who continue to seek refuge in this area. Class and racial tensions have surfaced, and increased police presence, while intended to enhance safety, can create a less welcoming atmosphere for those without resources. The delicate balance of Christopher Street as a haven is constantly being negotiated.
Despite these challenges, the personal stories of individuals connected to Christopher Street continue to paint a vivid picture of resilience and self-discovery.
Bree Benz, at fifty-five, found her true self on Christopher Street. After separating from her wife in 2015, she began her transition. Initially, she intended to keep it private, but by July 1st of the same year, a date she now celebrates as her “new birthday,” she decided to live openly as a woman. For Bree, Christopher Street represents a place where she could finally embrace her authentic identity and find happiness.
Alt text: Portrait of Bree Benz, a transgender woman who found self-acceptance and happiness after transitioning and embracing her identity on Christopher Street.
Carmen Carrera, thirty-one, also found liberation in the Village. As a child, she felt the pressure to conform, creating a persona to fit in. However, upon graduating, she gravitated towards Greenwich Village, initially believing she had to be a gay man. It was in this environment that she eventually began her transition at twenty-five, already successful as a drag performer. Carmen realized that the “gay man” identity was another constructed character, one that was stifling her true self. Transitioning marked the beginning of her authentic life.
Alt text: Carmen Carrera, a transgender woman, pictured with her husband and daughters, highlighting the importance of Christopher Street in her journey to self-discovery and family life.
Vickyana Torres, thirty-four, experienced her own awakening later in life. Having raised her partner’s children, she felt constrained from transitioning earlier. Once the children were grown, Vickyana felt free to embrace her true identity. Although her long-term partnership ended, her former partner remained her best friend, and while her children initially struggled, they grew to accept and celebrate the person Vickyana became.
Alt text: Vickyana Torres, a transgender woman, in a reflective pose, symbolizing the journey of self-discovery and acceptance she experienced, linked to the liberating atmosphere of Christopher Street.
Ni’Tee Spady, thirty-three, offers a different perspective as a transgender man. Identifying as a straight man who loves women, he navigated his transition while in a long-term relationship. He acknowledges the emotional challenges of transitioning, likening it to a second puberty, and expresses gratitude for his partner’s unwavering support. Ni’Tee’s story underscores the complexities and personal journeys within the trans experience on Christopher Street and beyond.
Alt text: Ni’Tee Spady, a transgender man, looking directly at the camera, representing the diverse gender identities and experiences found within the Christopher Street community.
Mahayla Mcelroy, twenty-four, sought refuge and self-expression in New York City, coming from California. Her move was a statement of independence and self-determination. After years of estrangement, her father reconnected with her via Facebook, a moving and unexpected event. For Mahayla, Christopher Street and its surrounding community represent a space where she could live authentically and even find reconciliation.
Alt text: Mahayla Mcelroy, a transgender woman in her twenties, with a gentle smile, exemplifying the younger generation finding community and self-acceptance on Christopher Street.
Emmett Jack Lundberg, thirty-two, initially identified as a lesbian before realizing he was transgender in his early twenties and transitioning medically at twenty-eight. For Emmett, transitioning was about achieving comfort and alignment with his true self. It brought a sense of ease and authenticity to his existence. Christopher Street, in this context, is symbolic of the broader journey of self-understanding and the pursuit of personal truth.
Alt text: Emmett Jack Lundberg, a transgender man, with a relaxed and comfortable posture, emphasizing the sense of ease and self-acceptance that Christopher Street and the trans community can provide.
D’Jamel Young and Leiomy Maldonado, both twenty-nine, a trans man and a trans woman respectively, encapsulate the simple reality of their identities: “She’s a trans woman and I’m a trans man, so it actually makes us completely normal. I’m a man and she’s a woman, and it’s just as simple as that.” Their relationship and their presence on Christopher Street normalize trans identities, showcasing the everyday lives of trans individuals.
Alt text: D’Jamel Young, a transgender man, and Leiomy Maldonado, a transgender woman, a couple standing side-by-side, representing the normalcy and visibility of trans relationships and identities fostered by places like Christopher Street.
The story of Venus Xtravaganza, the young trans woman who first captivated me, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the trans community. Her tragic death, strangled in 1988, remains unsolved. Her final words in “Paris Is Burning,” “I’m hungry,” resonate as a plea for basic needs – food, safety, love, and belonging. This plea echoes from Christopher Street to communities across the country, from Honolulu to Chicago.
Today, while the trans community is gaining unprecedented visibility, they are still facing scapegoating and violence. The presence of trans people challenges societal norms and expectations, prompting reflection and change. Christopher Street remains a symbol of this ongoing struggle and a testament to the enduring spirit of the trans and queer community. These are our streets, and these are our people.Christopher Street is more than just a street in New York City; it is a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and community for transgender and queer people worldwide.
