Contents
Sylvia Rivera
The New York activist who co-founded STAR to support homeless queer and transgender young people.
STAR House · Public address
- Born
- 2 July 1951
- Birthplace
- United States
- Died
- 19 February 2002
More people
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera demanded that liberation movements include people facing poverty, homelessness and exclusion. Her organising joined public protest with practical mutual aid.
Early life
New York
Grew up in the city and experienced homelessness as a child.
Community
Found support within street and drag communities.
Career
- 1970
STAR
Co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries with Marsha P. Johnson.
- 1973
Movement challenge
Spoke forcefully about exclusion at a New York liberation rally.
- 1990s
Renewed organising
Returned to visible advocacy for transgender people and homeless youth.
Organising & legacy
STAR House
Helped provide shelter and support for young people.
Public address
Challenged a movement that marginalised its poorest participants.
STAR revival
Revived organising under the STAR name.
Beyond work
Friendship
Marsha P. Johnson was a central collaborator and friend.
Community work
Worked with the Metropolitan Community Church’s food and support programmes.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Career and work — womenshistory.org ↗Photo: Roseleechs. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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