5/10 Transgender Notables

At least to me.

#5

Sylvia Rivera

1951 - 2002

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"We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are. We have to show the world we are numerous. There are many of us out there."

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After being orphaned by her mother's suicide, she was raised by her grandmother until age 10 when she ran away from her grandmother's disapproval at her femininity and use of makeup. Living on the streets, she found a local community of drag queens who gave her her name.

Being friends with Marsha P. Johnson (see previous blog post), she also aligned with identfying as a drag queen, civil rights activism, the antiwar movement (Vietnam), the second wave feminism movement, gay liberation and transgender activism. She was a founding member of GLF (Gay Liberation Front) and Gay Activists Alliance, while co-founding STAR (Street Transvestite Activism Revolutionaries), and organization dedicated to helping homeless young drag queens and trans women of color.

She also fought for the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Action (NY), which prohibits discrimination on sexual orientation in emplyment, housing, public accommodation, education, credit and the exercise of civil rights. 

The "Syliva Rivera Law Project" is dedicated "to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expresssion, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence."