0 Years Lost

Lujira lived as an openly gay black woman in the heart of New York City during the uprising of Stonewall. At the time, she worked at the 34th Street YMCA, a haven for gays and a safe zone for her. As a result, her main struggles did not come from her sexuality, but instead transpired due to the color of her skin. In addition to racial discrimination, Lujira overcame poverty and homelessness to create a better life for her true self. Although she did not take part in the uprising of Stonewall, she later became an LGBTQ+ activist, volunteering with SAGE and fighting for LGBTQ+ equality in Washington, D.C.