When we think of LGBTQ+ history, names like Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, and Sylvia Rivera often come to mind, and rightly so. Their work helped ignite movements and shift societal narratives. But behind every headline-making figure are countless unsung heroes whose contributions were just as critical in shaping the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
This Pride season, we’re shining a light on some of the lesser-known activists, artists, and community leaders from around the world who helped pave the way for equality. Their stories deserve to be told and remembered.
Bayard Rustin (USA)
A key figure in the American civil rights movement, Bayard Rustin was the openly gay advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and the chief organiser of the 1963 March on Washington. Despite his pivotal role, Rustin was often kept behind the scenes due to his sexuality. His strategic brilliance and commitment to non-violent activism laid the foundation for many future movements — including the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Stormé DeLarverie (USA)
Often called “the Rosa Parks of the gay community,” Stormé DeLarverie was a biracial lesbian performer and drag king whose scuffle with police at the Stonewall Inn is believed by many to have sparked the 1969 riots. A fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and victims of domestic violence, Stormé patrolled the streets of New York well into her 70s, protecting her community with quiet determination.
Maud Allan (UK/Canada)
Born in Canada and based in London during the early 20th century, Maud Allan was a trailblazing dancer and choreographer. She became the centre of a sensational libel trial in 1918 when a Member of Parliament accused her of promoting “moral decay” and being part of a "cult of the clitoris.” Though the accusation was scandalous, the case brought rare visibility to lesbian women and same-sex relationships in Edwardian England — at a time when silence was the norm.
Simon Nkoli (South Africa)
A Black South African anti-apartheid activist and openly gay man, Simon Nkoli fought not only against racial injustice but also for LGBTQ+ rights in a deeply hostile political climate. He founded the Gay and Lesbian Organisation of the Witwatersrand (GLOW) and played a crucial role in ensuring LGBTQ+ protections were included in South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution — one of the most progressive in the world.
Kathy Kozachenko (USA)
Before Harvey Milk, there was Kathy Kozachenko. In 1974, she became the first openly gay or lesbian candidate elected to public office in the United States, winning a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council in Michigan. Her quiet yet groundbreaking victory remains one of the most overlooked milestones in LGBTQ+ political history.
Fumiko Nakajo (Japan)
A mid-20th-century Japanese poet, Fumiko Nakajo wrote openly about her identity, gender, and illness at a time of conservative social norms. While not an activist in the traditional sense, her work challenged rigid ideas of femininity and identity in Japanese literature — giving voice to those who felt different.
Why These Stories Matter
LGBTQ+ history is rich, diverse, and global. While mainstream narratives often highlight a few prominent figures, the real story is far broader. These unsung heroes, whether fighting unjust laws, breaking artistic boundaries, or simply living authentically, have helped shape a world that today’s LGBTQ+ youth can navigate with more freedom.
Recognising these figures not only honours their legacy but also inspires a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history. This Pride Month and beyond, let’s continue to uplift the voices that history tried to forget.
Prowler Poppers UK is proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating throughout Pride month and beyond.
