Sylvia Rivera Co-Founds STAR — Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries
Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), one of the first organisations in the world dedicated to helping homeless transgender youth. Rivera, a Venezuelan-Puerto Rican trans woman, had been present at the Stonewall riots in 1969 and was a fierce advocate for the most marginalised members of the LGBTQ+ community. STAR provided housing, food, and support to young trans people and drag queens living on the streets of New York. Rivera fought tirelessly against the exclusion of trans people from the mainstream gay rights movement, famously confronting attendees at the 1973 Christopher Street Liberation Day rally.
Impact & Significance
Rivera's advocacy laid the groundwork for the modern transgender rights movement. After decades of marginalisation, her contributions were recognised posthumously — New York City named a street after her, and her legacy is celebrated as foundational to LGBTQ+ liberation.
Reference Record
- Date
- July 1970
- Era
- 1970-1989
- Sources
- 2
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