Overview: Champion of Pride
Raised in Logan Heights, she moved to Hillcrest as she began transitioning and her drag career expanded.
Courtney Johnson, also known through her drag persona Strawberry, received Pride’s highest award this year.
Strawberry was named Champion of Pride for her ongoing work fundraising, advocating for trans women of color, and diversifying drag. She is known for changing the face of Hillcrest in the 10 years since she began performing.
Raised in Logan Heights, she moved to Hillcrest as she began transitioning and her drag career expanded.
Of the time, she said, “I didn’t want to be a role model. I didn’t want to be a pillar in the community. I just wanted to be a drag queen and have fun.”
However, Strawberry found there “was not much for people of color in the LGBT Community.” The divide between gay men and trans women in drag also bothered her.
To counter that, first she started hosting balls, then doing fundraisers for organizations like TransFamily Support Services.
She continued to organize new events, like Trans Girl Magic – drag shows with all trans performers – and more recently the annual Drag March for Trans Lives. She produces Stunt Sundays at Rich’s, which has invited in a diverse queer crowd for a night of dancing each week.
A decade since Strawberry first took the stage, the 34-year-old aims to open the community to the upcoming generation. Johnson is happy to see young trans people move freely on the streets of Hillcrest.
“The new generation has me excited, because when I joined the LGBT scene here in Hillcrest, I didn’t feel seen. I didn’t feel respected by the older generation,” she said.
One member of the older generation has become her auntie and mentor, though: Tracie Jada O’Brien.
The elder Black trans woman has thanked Johnson for continuing to fight for LGBTQ+ rights after O’Brien has spent more than 50 years in the same fight. “With her saying, ‘Now I can rest,’ that lets me know that I’m doing my job and I’m doing my job right,” Johnson said.
Receiving a Spirit of Stonewall Award also confirms to Johnson that her year-round advocacy is effective and necessary. “I don’t want to sound like a superhero, but I feel like the city needs me,” the lifelong San Diego resident said.
The award harkening back to the Stonewall riots is also meaningful for her.
“Stonewall … has gotten its popularity because of a Black trans woman, a Latina trans woman. And I am a Black trans woman and I felt like it’s my job and my duty to… hold up that legacy,” Johnson said. “[Being Champion of Pride] feels correct. And I feel like it’s a badge of honor.”
See more of our Pride coverage here, or page through the viewer here to enjoy the print edition of the 2025 Pride Guide.
