You saw the shirt but who are those people and why are they important? This is the inclusive LGBTQ+ activists that amplifying under represented BIPOC activists you may not have heard of, but should know.
They are:
 Sylvia Rivera 1951-2002 Latina/Hispanic Transgender |
Sylvia Rivera was a transgender activist and one of the key figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights. She dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, advocating for their inclusion within the broader LGBTQ+ community. Rivera co-founded the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization that provided support for homeless queer youth. Her activism and advocacy played a crucial role in raising awareness about transgender rights and paving the way for future generations of activists. |
 1934-1992 African American / Caribbean Lesbian |
Audre Lorde was an influential African American writer, feminist, and civil rights activist. Her work focused on intersectionality, addressing the experiences of Black women, and exploring the complexities of identity. Lorde's poetry and essays, in particular, The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House, highlighted issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class, making her an important voice in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She advocated for self-acceptance, self-expression, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. |
 Urvashi Vaid 1958 - 2022 Indian-American Lesbian |
Urvashi Vaid is an Indian-American LGBT rights activist, lawyer, and writer. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, particularly focusing on intersectionality and the experiences of queer people of color. Vaid has held leadership positions in several LGBTQ+ organizations, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and has contributed significantly to the movement for equality and inclusivity. |
 Barbara May Cameron (Wia Washte Wi) 1954 - 2002 Native American / Lakota Lesbian |
Barbara May Cameron was a Native American activist known for her advocacy work in indigenous rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She played a significant role in raising awareness about the issues faced by Native American communities and fought for their recognition and equality. She was also a poet, photographer and filmmaker. She co-founded Gay American Indians, the first dedicated LGBT+ group in 1975 and one of the first that promoted Two-Spirit community. Throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her advocacy for the rights of LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities, actively promoting intersectionality. From taking the lead in organizing San Francisco's vibrant Lesbian Gay Freedom Day Parade and Celebration during the 1980s to co-leading a groundbreaking lawsuit challenging an anti-LGBTQ+ Immigration and Naturalization Service policy, she fearlessly fought for equality. Additionally, she shed light on the disproportionate impact that the HIV/AIDS epidemic had on Native people, raising awareness about this pressing issue and demanding justice for those affected. |
 Bayard Rustin 1912-1987 African American Gay |
Bayard Rustin, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, organized the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rustin played a pivotal role as a strategist and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., helping shape the movement's philosophy of nonviolence. He actively opposed the Vietnam War and co-founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute, advocating for economic and social justice. Rustin campaigned against apartheid in South Africa and supported African independence movements. Additionally, he played a significant role in promoting labor rights, collaborating with unions and addressing racial discrimination in the defense industry. Rustin's advocacy extended to LGBTQ+ rights, making him an influential voice in the movement. His activism and strategic leadership continue to inspire generations, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. |