Despite the political alliance, cultural friction remains. Consider the institution of the . For a cisgender gay man, pride might be a celebration of overcoming shame about his attraction. For a trans woman, pride might be a political protest against a state that denies her healthcare.

The 1969 Stonewall Uprising—the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement—was led by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Yet, as the movement professionalized in the 1970s and 80s, a rift emerged. The nascent "gay rights" movement, seeking mainstream acceptance, often sidelined trans people. The argument was pragmatic and cruel: We are normal, just like you. We are not drag queens or transsexuals.

A deeper look into the affecting trans rights globally.

: While transgender people have identities that do not match their birth-assigned sex,

For decades, the lines between gender and sexuality were blurred by societal oppression. In the mid-20th century, a man in a dress was assumed to be a "homosexual" performing a drag act. A woman with short hair and a suit was assumed to be a "lesbian." Mainstream society did not distinguish between who you love (sexual orientation) and who you are (gender identity). Consequently, trans people and gender-nonconforming people were the visible frontlines of early LGBTQ resistance.