The modern LGBTQ rights movement was catalyzed by transgender activists, most notably Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—two self-identified trans women of color who were pivotal in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Despite this, trans people have often faced marginalization within gay and lesbian-dominated spaces.

Throughout the 1970s–1990s, some mainstream gay and feminist groups excluded trans people, viewing them as a liability or as reinforcing gender stereotypes. This tension gave rise to the "T" in LGBTQ being fiercely defended by trans activists and allies, emphasizing that trans liberation is inseparable from queer liberation.

The transgender community is part of LGBTQ+ culture due to shared experiences of being marginalized for gender/sexuality norms. However, trans identity is about gender (who you are), not sexual orientation (who you love).

Trans people have deeply shaped LGBTQ art, activism, and language: