Lady Java

#LadyJava (August 20, 1943 – ): Known as #SirLadyJava in some places, she is an American transgender rights activist, exotic dancer, singer, comedian, and actress. Born in #NewOrleans, she transitioned at a young age with the help of her mother and became actively involved in area nightlife as a young adult. She was active in the 1960s and 1970s on stage, television, radio, and film, and has maintained popularity in the Los Angeles African American LGBTQIA community. Growing up in New Orleans, she realized she was trans at a young age and began transitioning with full support of her mother. In the mid-1960s, she moved to California and performed in the nightclub circuit (dancing, doing impersonations, singing, and performing comedy) in LA and cited #LenaHorne, #MaeWest, and #JosephineBaker as influences. In 1967, after a successful two-week run at Red Foxx’s club, the LAPD threatened to close any clubs or bars that hired Java, citing local laws that prohibited “impersonation by means of costume or dress a person of the opposite sex.” In response, Java picketed and hired the ACLU to try to overturn the local law. Courts unfortunately rejected Java’s case, but the local laws were eventually overturned in 1969. Nevertheless, she persisted and continued performing, portraying herself in the #Dolomite sequel #TheHumanTornado in 1976 and working with Lena Horne in 1978 at a birthday party for club owner #GertrudeGipson. In the 1980s, after suffering and recovering from a stroke, Java took a step back from the public eye, but recently has made a limited return. In June 2016, she was honored at the 18th Annual Trans Pride L.A. Festival along with CeCe McDonald. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPride #Pride #LegendsOfPride #YouCannotEraseUs