SYLVIA RIVERA [1951 – 2002]She/Her

“Coined as the “Rosa Parks of the modern transgender movement,” Sylvia Rivera was an American gay liberation and transgender rights activist who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in New York during the 1970s until her death in 2002. Working with her friend, mentor, and prominent figure in the Stonewall riots, Marsha P. Johnson, Rivera co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.) group (now known as S.T.A.R.R or Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform,) an organization dedicated to helping homeless trans women and LGBTQ+ youth. As someone who suffered from systematic poverty and racism herself, Rivera used her voice for unity, sharing her stories of pain and struggle to show her community they are not alone. She amplified the voices of the most vulnerable members of the gay community: drag queens, homeless youth, gay inmates in prison, and transgender people. Though she is best known for her dedication to furthering trans-inclusive legislation in New York and beyond, Rivera also used her identity to advocate for issues surrounding race and poverty and their intersectionality among transgender identities.” [Source]

Learn More:
Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform
OutHistory.org Bio
1973 Speech at NYC Gay Pride Rally