In The Community
Who was Sylvia Rivera?
Rivera was born in 1951 with her gender assigned male at birth with the name Ray given to her by her Puerto Rican father and Venezuelan mother. Rivera was born in the Bronx to a tough childhood - one so hard that the young Rivera ended up being raised by her grandmother after her father walked out and her mother committed suicide when she was only three years old. Rivera always held an active interest in women’s clothing and makeup and often did not shy away from opportunities to express herself. This made Rivera a target for bullies, which ultimately led to her running away from home at just 11 years old.
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, ca. 1989-1990. The Rudy Grillo Collection, Rudy Grillo / LGBT Community Center Archive.
Rivera was then exploited sexually to make ends meet for herself, working as an underage sex worker in Times Square. Just one year after being out on the streets, Rivera met another prominent activist and self-proclaimed transvestite and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson, where her point of view broadened. During this time, Rivera became immersed in the plight of Black liberation, poverty, homelessness, and the rights of the transgender community.
In a time when the mainstream LGBTQ+ community was fighting for their rights, the trans members of that community were not welcomed by organizers. Many gay rights organizers, such as those from The Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilities (two of the original gay and lesbian rights groups), discouraged members from “engaging in deviant expressions of gender and sexuality” and had strict dress codes for their rallies in the 1960s.
Johnson and Rivera then formed the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) in 1971. This organization was dedicated to furthering the quality of life of the transgender community, providing housing for those in dire need. Johnson and Rivera worked tirelessly as sex workers at night to pay the rent and provide housing as well as security to transgender street youth and transgender homeless people that they felt were being actively excluded by gay rights groups. Though it was short-lived, they did a lot in those short years until the mid-1970s when STAR House closed.
Photo via NSWP
Her community not only as a woman of color but also as a trans woman of color. 17-year-old Rivera was an avid participant in the Stonewall Uprising, going on record to set the story straight of her role in the protest. Though she didn’t throw the initial Molotov cocktail, she “threw the second one.” In the six days of protests, Rivera never went home, staying behind and advocating for trans rights amidst the chaos.
Though others largely silenced Rivera in her community, she was invited to participate in the 1973 Gay Pride Rally in New York City. The ever-brave Rivera (though not allowed to speak by organizers) grabbed the mic and proclaimed, “I have lost my job, I have lost my apartment for gay liberation, and y’all treat me this way?” Despite being viciously booed off stage at the time, an experience that led her to attempt suicide and subsequent break from the city and activism until Johnson’s death in 1992, Rivera’s speech remains a powerful testament to the contributions and sacrifices she made to the gay rights movement.
Discurso de Sylvia Rivera - Marcha del Orgullo 1973 (Español)www.youtube.com
Rivera passed away in 2002, but dedicating almost her entire life to the gay rights movement, has always served as a monumental figure that worked to change the tide to put the “T” in the LGBTQ+ movement it is known to be today. Without Sylvia Rivera, a lot of the transgender community would not have the progress they have today, making her an immortal icon to all.
This meant that in a world already so unwelcome, Rivera fought to make space for herself and her community not only as a woman of color but also as a trans woman of color.
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Tessa Thompson
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Tessa Thompson is an Afro-Panamanian actress who has earned widespread recognition for her performances in films like “Creed” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” Thompson is open about her bisexuality and uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. Her role in "Thor: Ragnarok" is considered a landmark because Valkyrie, the character Thompson plays, is one of the first explicitly queer characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While the explicitness of Valkyrie's bisexuality was contested when the movie was released, Thompson has confirmed and embraced this aspect of the character. Thompson has been a consistent champion of diversity and she has been very open about the kind of projects she wants to work on. In 2018, she told the Press Association, “I want to show up on set and have it look like the world I walk around in every day, which is full of women, and people of color, and folk with disabilities. I want to make content that feels like that both on camera and off it.”
Indya Moore
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Indya Moore is an Afro-Taíno, trans, nonbinary actor and model who goes by they/them and she/her pronouns. They’re of Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican descent and rose to popularity due to their role as Angel Evangelista on the FX Series, “Pose.” Moore’s upbringing wasn’t ideal; they had to leave home to escape their parents’ transphobia and enter foster care. They rose to life’s challenges, though, and eventually pursued a career in modeling. Moore worked with brands like Gucci and Dior, but they became disappointed in the industry’s focus on body image.
That’s when they decided to get into acting and their first big project was the indie film “Sunday Church,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2017. Their talent got attention and, that same year, they were cast in “Pose.” In 2019, they were featured on Time’s 100 Most Influential People. Since then, they have appeared in films like “Escape Room: Tournament of Champions” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” With a desire to “fight for those who cannot fight for themselves,” as reported by L’Officiel in 2021, Moore consistently uses their platform to amplify marginalized voices and bring attention to issues like trans rights and racism.
Aubrey Plaza
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Aubrey Plaza, of Puerto Rican and Irish descent, is widely known for her role as April Ludgate on the hit NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” Plaza publicly came out as bisexual in 2016, stating in an interview with The Advocate, “I know I have an androgynous thing going on, and there's something masculine about my energy. Girls are into me -- that's no secret. Hey, I'm into them too. I fall in love with girls and guys. I can't help it.”
Plaza has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community ever since. By openly discussing her bisexuality, she has helped increase visibility and eliminate the stigma associated with non-heterosexual orientations. Her portrayal of queer characters, like in the film “Happiest Season,” also provides much-needed representation and adds to the authenticity of LGBTQ+ characters in media. In 2022, she starred in “The White Lotus” and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. A year later, she was featured on Time’s 100 Most Influential People, and her star continues to rise.
Ariana DeBose
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Ariana DeBose is a talented actor, singer, and dancer of Puerto Rican descent. She’s celebrated for her versatility and for her advocacy. As an openly lesbian Latina in the industry, she provides much-needed queer Latino representation and her journey is an inspiration to many who dream of making it in Broadway and Hollywood. DeBose’s career started on Broadway, performing in productions like “Hairspray,” “Hamilton,” and more. She had her breakout role in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” which earned her a Tony Award nomination.
Her film career includes roles in "The Prom" and "Schmigadoon!" But it was her role as Anita in the 2021 film adaptation of “West Side Story” that shot her into stardom. Her performance led her to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making history as the first openly queer Latina to get the honor. As an activist, DeBose launched the Unruly Hearts Initiative with Jo Ellen Pellman. The mission is to connect young people, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, with organizations that provide resources for housing insecurity, mental health, mentorship, and education. Currently, she’s part of the International Board of Covenant House as an advocate for homeless youth. “I’ve always felt compelled to help others, working to give back to my community and using my voice for good – for I wouldn’t be here without those who took an interest in me,” she wrote on Glamour.
Sara Ramirez
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Sara Ramirez is a Mexican-American actress, singer, and activist best known for their role as Dr. Callie Torres on "Grey's Anatomy.” Ramirez, who identifies as non-binary and bisexual, has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Their portrayal of Dr. Torres, one of the longest-running queer characters on television, has significantly influenced the way bisexuality is understood and depicted in popular media. They’re also a Tony Award winner for their performance in the 2005 Broadway musical “Spamalot.”
More recently, they appeared in the “Sex and the City” sequel, “And Just Like That…,” portraying a non-binary, queer character and adding to LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Off-screen, Ramirez is heavily involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy, serving on the board of organizations like True Colors United, which works to combat homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. They also support organizations like the Bisexual Organizing Project, ACLU, NDLON, The Task Force, and more. They have campaigned extensively for LGBT rights and lend their voice to marginalized communities. In 2023 and 2024, she has also been advocating and protesting for Palestinian liberation.
Stephanie Beatriz
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Stephanie Beatriz is an openly bisexual actress of Colombian and Bolivian descent. She rose to popularity with her role as the tough yet endearing and relatable Detective Rosa Diaz in the popular comedy TV show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” which received nominations to the Golden Globes, Emmys, and Critics’ Choice Awards. She’s also known for voicing Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated movie “Encanto” and she appeared in the 2021 film adaptation of “In the Heights.” Beatriz has also been a voice actor in animated series like “Bojack Horseman” and “Hazbin Hotel.”
Beatriz publicly came out as bisexual when she retweeted one of Aubrey Plaza’s quotes from The Auction interview, adding “Yup.” Plaza’s quote read “I fall in love with girls and guys, I can’t help it.” She realized she was bisexual at an early age, around 13 years old, but she experienced biphobia from friends and family, so she kept quiet about it for most of her life. Now, she advocates for bisexual visibility and representation, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, Beatriz told People, "Now I have a small platform of visibility because I’m on a fun and (if I do say so myself) damn good television show. I’ve chosen to use that platform to speak openly about my bi-ness, because of other people who may feel invisible and unsure of whether or not to come out as bisexual."
MJ Rodriguez
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MJ Rodriguez, of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, has made history as a trailblazer for transgender people, particularly in the world of television. Rodriguez's groundbreaking role as Blanca Evangelista on "Pose" earned her critical acclaim and marked a significant milestone for trans representation on screen. Her work in “Pose” earned her an Emmy Award nomination and she became the first transgender woman to get that honor. Eventually, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a TV Series Drama for her performance in the final season of “Pose.”
Rodriguez is open about her identity as a trans woman, leveraging her platform to call attention to issues affecting the transgender community. Her achievements, both as an actress and activist, inspire transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, especially Latinos and Afro-Latinos who can see themselves in her. Through her activism and work in the media, she’s one of the Latine figures helping not only change the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and representation but also shape a more inclusive and accepting industry. In a recent interview with The Advocate, she stated, “If I can be somebody who is a hope to people around the world, especially LGBTQ+ people, then I guess I'm doing my job.”
Vicci Martinez
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Vicci Martinez is a queer, Mexican American singer, songwriter, and actor. She’s known for the recurrent character, Daddy, in the successful comedy-drama Netflix Series, “Orange Is the New Black.” Currently, she’s voicing the character of Frida Khalo in the adult animated sci-fi sitcom, “Clone High.” She also appeared on “The Voice” as a contestant in 2011, where she impressed the judges during her blind audition with her cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Since then, she has released several albums, EPs, and singles, amassing a fanbase in Washington.
Martinez is openly lesbian and she has shared her story of coming out to religious Latino parents at the age of 16, something a lot of queer Latines can relate to. She has expressed her passion for inspiring others to be authentic. In an interview with TV Guide in 2018, she stated, "All I have ever wanted is to connect with people, and through music, I felt that was the fastest way to get to anyone's heart. Now I have a new stage, but my intention is the same: to inspire people to follow their own authentic truth and desires so they can live joyful lives [...].”
The strides made by LGBTQ+ Latine celebrities in the entertainment industry are both inspiring and transformative. These figures stand out because of their talent and the authentic, much-needed representation they provide for LGBTQ+ Latinos across the board. As they continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and open doors for the next generation, they’re a great example of how pride and power can make a difference in the quest for visibility and equality.
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Latino USA
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Hosted by Maria Hinojosa, a well-established, award-winning reporter who has been the first Latina in many newsrooms, “Latino USA” is a great source of news from a Latino perspective. If you want to be aware of Latino politics, social issues, and culture that the mainstream media often misses, this is the podcast to add to your roster. Hinojosa’s interviews are particularly insightful and her overall storytelling is engaging and informative, so this is a must-listen to stay up-to-date on Latino news. “Latino USA” has been around since 1992 as a radio program, and now a podcast, making it the longest-running Latino-focused program on public media in the U.S. You can check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast networks.
Tamarindo
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“Tamarindo” is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino and it’s one of those light-hearted podcasts that discuss politics, culture, and personal development. It’s a very conversational podcast that brings attention to important issues in the Latino community, including race, gender, and representation. You can expect insightful interviews with changemakers and creatives, and conversations that invite personal reflection, champion advocacy, and encourage self-care. Visit their website to check out the latest episodes or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
100 Latina Birthdays
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Brought to you by reporters in Chicago, “100 Latina Birthdays” is an original documentary series podcast from LWC Studios. It dives deep into the issue of health and wellness by investigating the health and lifetime outcomes of Latinas in the U.S. The premise of the series is to explore Latina health from birth to age 100. In its first season, the episodes focus on Latinas during their perinatal journeys, childhood, and adolescence, covering their experiences up until age 20. The stories are insightful and essential for understanding the health challenges Latinas face during each milestone. If you're interested in the intersections of health, culture, and community, this podcast is a must-listen while you wait for season 2 to come out. You can find it on the "100 Latina Birthdays" website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.
Birthful
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Hosted by Venezuelan Adriana Lozada, an advanced birth doula and postpartum educator, “Birthful” is all about pregnancy and the postpartum experience. As a former journalist, Lozada uses her skills to interview top experts in the fields as well as parents, to provide relevant, useful information and encourage deep knowledge about the transformational power of giving birth. The episodes of this podcast offer a lot of insight into pregnancy, so if you’re on that journey, it can be immensely valuable to you and help you navigate this stage of your life. You can check the episodes out on their website or listen on Apple Podcasts, among other platforms.
In the Business with Juan & Anjelica
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If you’re in your entrepreneurial era, then you already know how important it is to learn from people who have already found success in the business world. Especially Latinos! “In the Business with Juan & Anjelica” is a good source of that. It’s hosted by Juan Alanis, founder and CEO of Big Oak Tree Media, and Anjelica Cazares, founder of the Latina Leadership Podcast (which we’ll discuss next). “In the Business” is a blend of personal stories, business insights, and cultural reflection. As Mexican Americans and entrepreneurs, Alanis and Cazares bring a unique perspective to the conversation and they interview professionals across a variety of fields. It’s the perfect podcast to go with your morning coffee and you’ll learn something new with each episode. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Latina Leadership Podcast
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Anjelica Cazares has a lot to say about entrepreneurship, but also about women’s health and wellness. Cazares is particularly passionate about helping women connect and learn from each other, so she created a space for that. The “Latina Leadership Podcast” is a weekly program where Latinas from all walks of life can have open conversations about their unique journeys through insightful interviews. With co-hosts Carolina Arenas, Olga Rodriguez, and Susie Barrera, Cazares explores the diversity and richness of the experiences Latinas have in the U.S. Particularly when it comes to achieving positions of power at any level, which is often an uphill battle. You can listen on their website or Apple Podcasts, among other platforms.
Vibin’ & Kinda Thrivin’
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Hosted by Vee Rivera and Alessandra Gonzalez, “Vibin' & Kinda Thrivin'” is a fun girl talk podcast where they discuss many relevant topics. Including mental health, social media (and the crazy stories that often come up there), motherhood, and more. The goal of the podcast is to just vibe while also providing Latinas in their 30s with a sense of community. It’s also a good source of laughter! This is a laid-back podcast that makes you feel like you’re sitting with two friends, exploring lighthearted and complex topics alike, depending on the day. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Podcast One, and Spotify, among other platforms.
Unbreakable Latina
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“Unbreakable Latina” is a space where Latinas can speak about the things they usually keep quiet about being first-generation. Hosted by Melina, a first-generation Mexican American, this is the podcast to check out if you want content that relates to your experience with family, relationships, career, education, mental health, and everything in between. It’s also worth checking out if you want to understand perspectives and experiences outside of your own. Expect discussions about parentification, setting boundaries, heartaches, coming out to Latino parents, and so much more. You can listen on their website, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.
Alt.Latino
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Music is life and it’s also one of the best expressions of culture and heritage. “Alt.Latino” celebrates the richness of Latino culture through music and sitting down with established artists or rising stars. Hosted by Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre, this is the podcast to stay up-to-date with the music world from a Latino perspective. It’s also a good way to discover Latino voices in the industry! You can listen to this podcast on NPR, Apple Podcasts, and more.
La Lista
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Last but not least, “La Lista” is a podcast focused on Latinx writers and their identities. Hosted by Rubén Mendive, a queer immigrant of Mexican and Chilean descent, each episode of the podcast focuses on a different Latinx writer. The honest and engaging nterviews provide a space for writers and artists to talk about their unique backgrounds. Each interviewee opens up about their childhood and they take listeners through the journeys that led them to where they are today, offering perspective, insights, and representation. You can listen to the episodes on Apple Podcasts!
