Sylvia Rivera

Sylvia Rivera was a prominent Venezuelan-American activist known for her work in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Born in 1951, she was instrumental in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which marked a significant turning point in the fight for gay rights in the United States. Rivera co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Marsha P. Johnson, advocating for homeless transgender youth and marginalized communities. Her legacy continues to inspire activism for social justice, equality, and recognition of the rights of transgender individuals, making her a key figure in both LGBTQ+ history and feminist movements.