To understand the bond between the transgender community and LGBTQ culture, one must begin at the flashpoint of the modern gay rights movement: the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Mainstream history often highlights gay men and lesbians, but the frontline fighters—the ones who threw the first punches, bricks, and high-heeled shoes—were transgender women of color.
Strong ties with in-group members serve as a vital buffer against "minority stress," decreasing feelings of loneliness and improving mental health. Social Justice Orientation: