Marsha’s status as an icon extends beyond activism and into the arts. She was an inspiration to others and a creative in her own right. From her trendsetting DIY looks salvaged from New York’s dumpsters to her appearances with a downtown gay theater troupe, Marsha was immersed in the underground art world. In performances at home and abroad, she rarely sang on key and had to read her lines on stage. But still, audiences cheered her name and called for encores. Listen in as we explore Marsha’s style and artistry, along with the complex reality of being a muse to some of the biggest names in New York.

Check out our Instagram @afterlives.pod to see the photos and videos we mention in this episode. Plus, check out Randy Wicker’s Flickr album to see even more of Marsha’s legendary looks. You can also listen to Marsha P. Johnons’s 1979 interview with Steven Watson courtesy of Artifacts at www.artifacts.movie.

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