The modern LGBTQ rights movement has its roots in the Stonewall riots of 1969, which were sparked in part by the resistance of transgender individuals, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, against police harassment. Since then, the transgender community has played a vital role in shaping the LGBTQ movement.

Transgender activism has long been characterized by intersectionality, recognizing that multiple forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism) intersect and impact individuals in complex ways. Effective activism must address these intersections and prioritize the most vulnerable members of the community.

One of the primary challenges facing the transgender community within LGBTQ culture is the issue of identity and inclusion. Transgender individuals often experience marginalization and exclusion from mainstream LGBTQ spaces, which can be attributed to a range of factors, including:

: Organizations like The Trevor Project and GLSEN focus on supporting LGBTQ youth, who are at higher risk for bullying, homelessness, and mental health challenges.

In LGBTQ spaces, there has been a necessary and sometimes painful reckoning with racism and transphobia within the community. Historically, gay bars excluded trans women (fearing they would attract police raids). Lesbian feminist spaces in the 1970s often excluded trans women, labeling them as infiltrators.