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 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. Discrimination was widespread, and opportunities for Black women were very few.. However, Ruth refused to let other people and experiences define her. She believed in standing up for what was right, even when it was hard. In 1947, Ruth made …show more content…
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 Charlotte Ellis faced discrimination as an open lesbian throughout her life, enduring prejudice and hostility from both society and individuals. 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 forms, from social ostracization to legal walls. 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