Ruth Charlotte Ellis and her Contributions. Ruth Charlotte Ellis was born on July 23, 1899, in Springfield, Illinois. She grew up during a time when Black people and women were discriminated against. Ruth then moved to Detroit, Michigan, seeking new opportunities as it can be difficult due to her gender and race. In Detroit, she found work and eventually started her own printing business, becoming one of the first Black women in the area to do so. Her spirit and determination were evident from a young age. Despite her achievements, Ruth faced many challenges due to her race and gender. In a time when being openly LGBTQ+ was widely stigmatized, Ruth's courage in living authentically came with significant challenges. She encountered discrimination in many …show more content…
But Ruth's activism didn't stop there. In 1955, she then went on to play a key role in founding the Detroit Gay Liberation Movement. Which is one of the earliest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the United States? Ruth saw the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals who faced discrimination and felt like they wanted a sense of community. She wanted them to feel safe and accepted in society. One of the aspects of Ruth's activism was her commitment to creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people in her own home. She opened her doors to those who had been rejected by society, offering them support and acceptance. Ruth faced discrimination as an open lesbian throughout her life, enduring prejudice and hostility from both society and individuals. Despite the risks, Ruth remained proud of her identity and advocacy, not wanting to hide or deny who she was. Her resilience in the face of negativity gave hope to others in the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating that it was possible to defy societal norms and live with dignity and pride. Ruth's kindness made a big difference in the lives of many who were struggling to find acceptance in their identity. Throughout her life, Ruth remained