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.
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.
