Before becoming widely known for her role in the Stonewall Riots, Stormé had already made a name for herself as a talented drag performer and singer in the Jewel Box Revue, the first racially integrated drag performance troupe in North America. Her performances often challenged gender norms, especially through her androgynous fashion, where she dressed in masculine attire and inspired countless lesbians in New York to embrace gender-nonconforming styles. She became something of a fashion and cultural icon in queer circles.

Stormé was also deeply committed to protecting vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. After leaving the performance circuit, she worked as a bodyguard, ensuring the safety of queer youth and marginalized individuals—particularly in and around LGBTQ+ bars. Her physical presence and fearlessness earned her a reputation as a watchful protector, someone who created safer spaces wherever she went. She even worked security for wealthy families during the day to support herself financially.

During the Stonewall Riots, Stormé was present at the Stonewall Inn when police began harassing employees and patrons, citing liquor license violations and “cross-dressing” laws. Some accounts claim that Stormé threw the very first punch that ignited the uprising, though this has never been definitively confirmed. What is certain, however, is that she fought back fiercely—physically resisting police violence and, in doing so, galvanizing others to take action. She was beaten by officers during the riot but survived and continued her activism afterward. Whether or not she threw the first punch, Stormé’s presence at Stonewall cemented her role as an enduring symbol in LGBTQIA+ history.

This brief account barely scratches the surface of her incredible life, but in telling it, we hope to honor her memory and shed light on the importance of her legacy. Stormé DeLarverie was not only a drag performer and activist—she was a revolutionary force who helped shape the queer rights movement and inspired generations to come. Her story deserves to be known, shared, and celebrated.