Day 11: Stormé DeLarverie - The Guardian of the Community.

Day 11: Stormé DeLarverie – The Guardian of the Community.

Stormé DeLarverie (1920–2014) was a Black butch lesbian, performer, and activist whose life was marked by courage and quiet strength. Known as the “guardian of the community,” Stormé blended artistry with activism, carving out space for queer survival and joy.

In the 1950s and 60s, she toured with the Jewel Box Revue, America’s first racially integrated drag troupe, where she was celebrated for her handsome masculinity and swagger. To countless lesbians and gender-nonconforming people, she was a living example that queerness could be visible, magnetic, and proud.

A Catalyst of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969

Many accounts of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 describe Stormé as a woman in a suit resisting police violence, shouting “Why don’t you guys do something?” which ignited the crowd into action. Whether or not she threw the “first punch,” her presence at Stonewall symbolizes the power of standing firm against brutality.

Safety in the Shadows

In later years, Stormé became a familiar figure in New York’s queer bars and community spaces, serving as a bouncer and protector. She patrolled the streets, ensuring that queer folks, especially lesbians and trans women, were safe from harassment and violence. To many, she was less an icon than a steady, everyday shield.

“She literally walked the streets of downtown Manhattan like a gay superhero. She was not to be messed with by any stretch of the imagination.” = Historian David Carter

Stormé’s legacy reminds us that resistance isn’t always about the spotlight. Sometimes it is about vigilance, being present, and consistent, showing up daily to defend one’s people with love, dignity, and strength.

Learn More

Stormé DeLarverie – A site gathering researched biographical details, stories, archiving memories, and photographs throughout Stormé’s life.
Stormé: The Lady of the Jewel Box (documentary) – A short film by Michelle Parkerson
Profiles in Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter – A detailed historical account of the Stonewall Riots, based on extensive research and interviews.)
Drag Herstory: A Drag King’s Journey From Cabaret Legend to Iconic Activist – A narrative account of Stormé’s life in relation to drag history, activism, and impact on LGBTQ+ culture.
Drag King History – A comprehensive profile and history of Stormé DeLarverié from 1955 – 1969.
The Legendary Storme Delaverie – A Profile by Malina Lo
The Stonewall Reader – Forward by Edmund White and Edited by The NY Public Library