Sylvia Rivera

Latina and Latino boundary breakers have shaped U.S. history. Latino groups have fought for fair labor practices, education access, safe housing, Immigration and criminal justice system reform, and LGBT rights, among other issues. Puerto Rican-Venezuelan activist Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002) stands (left) outside New York City Hall with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson. They fought for gay and transgender communities in New York City, focusing on issues like homelessness and employment. Rivera loudly criticized racism and economic exclusion within the LGBT community. 

Click to expand image Black and white image of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson holding an umbrella standing behind a wooden police barricade–Sylvia has her fist raised.

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Click to expand image Illustration of Adela Vázquez with San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Illustration of Cuban transgender HIV/AIDS activist Adela Vázquez who has a light skin tone, short, purple, straight hair, and wears a sleeveless colorful dress with wide straps. She also wears gold teardrop earrings. Behind her, a purple background featuring San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. 

Connecting to the Present

Transgender Activists Today 

Adela Vázquez is a Cuban transgender HIV/AIDS activist. She left Cuba in the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Vázquez eventually settled in San Francisco. Her activism began with supporting trans women who were battling AIDS. Vázquez later joined the staff at Proyecto ContraSIDA Por Vida (Project for Life Against AIDS). Proyecto (1993–2005) was a Latinx HIV-prevention organization in San Francisco’s Mission District.  Latina transgender activists such as Adela Vázquez  and Sage Dolan-Sandrino continue the legacy of Sylvia Rivera. You can learn more about Sage Dolan-Sandrino in the Somos video.

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Carved and painted figure of Virgin of Monsterrate seated, holding an orb with a child on her lap. A man and a bull are depicted at her feet.

La Virgen de Monserrate
Print showing the U.S. Navy bombing Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan.

Bombardment of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Photo album sheet displaying a group of black and white pictures.

Grillo Family Scrapbook
Color photo of black stone carving of Po’Pay’s head.

Po’Pay
Dr. C. David Molina’s black medical bag.

Dr. C. David Molina’s black medical bag. 

Dress designed by Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera Dress