Dear Friend,
From September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage month celebrates the achievements, contributions, and history of the Hispanic and Latinx diasporas in the United States. The first week of this month encompasses important milestones in many Latin American countries’ fight for independence from colonial rule.
Each week for Hispanic Heritage month we’ll be highlighting important Hispanic and Latinx LGBTQ people who have contributed to movements for equality, liberation, and uplifted underrepresented communities in the Hispanic and Latinx diasporas.
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Sylvia Rivera was a fierce advocate for transgender people but was disregarded during the larger movement for gay rights in the 1960's in New York City. She fought hard against the exclusion of trans people of color.
In 1971, with the help of Marsha P. Johnson, Rivera opened the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) that would serve as a space for trans people to discuss and organize around issues facing their community. Sylvia also used the STAR house to provide lodging to those who needed it.
In 1997, after returning to New York City, Rivera had reconciled with gay rights movements that were expanding and becoming more inclusive. She was given a place of honor in the 25th Annual Stonewall Inn March for her dedication to transgender visibility in liberation movements.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see who we highlight next for Hispanic Heritage Month!
Thank you,
Immigration Equality |
