Check Out These 9 Trans Activists On Instagram As They Fight For Justice And Equality
Pride Month is a chance to show support and love for the LGBTQ+ community. This is something that should happen year-round but having a month dedicated to it is a good reminder. Trans people are the most under attack and it is important that people fight for their rights and dignity. The life expectancy of a trans woman of color is 35 years old as many face physical violence for living as they are. Here are 9 trans activists who are fighting to make the world and safer and more welcoming place for trans women, men, and non-binary people.
1. Bamby Salcedo
Salcedo is the CEO and co-founder of Trans Latin@ Coalition in 2009. The organization operates nationwide in the United States and works closely with trans communities in several states. Organizers in the group work with policymakers to shape laws to help the trans community and offer assistance in receiving medical care and fair housing in a country that allows discrimination based on gender identity in many states.
2. Carmen Carrera
Carrera first made a name for herself as a contestant on Season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She didn’t win but she did use the fame and recognition to announce her transition shortly after the third season wrapped. Since transitioning, Carrera has worked tirelessly for trans rights and inclusivity within Latin America and within the modeling industry.
3. Shane Ortega
Shane Ortega was the first openly trans person to serve in the U.S. military. He has stood up and spoken out against President Trump’s anti-trans policies attempting to bar trans people from proudly serving in the military.
4. Laith-Ashley de la Cruz
De la Cruz started his modeling career at the same time he began his transition. The model and spokesperson has shared his story of acceptance and transition on news outlets in an attempt to demystify the misconceptions of being trans. He wants for people to realize that trans people are more than their transition.
5. Jennicet Gutierrez
Gutierrez is an organizer for Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (FTQLM) and is best known for confronting President Obama during a press conference. Gutierrez publicly confronted President Obama about the deportation of trans women to countries that are hostile to them. Gutierrez was born in Mexico and understands the fight many trans women across Latin America are involved in when it comes to their safety. Many countries have no protection for trans women who face violence for being who they are.
6. Manitas Nerviosas
Manitas Nerviosas is an indie musician in Mexico leaving her mark in the Mexican music scene. In a predominately Catholic and conservative society, Manitas Nerviosas sole existence in the music space is a form of resistance and pushing the boundaries of what gender means in Mexico.
7. Linn Da Quebrada
Da Quebrada is a black Brazilian rapper who calls herself a gender terrorist. She is using her music to call out and fight back against the machista culture in Brazil. The South American country is notoriously known around the world for having shockingly high rates of transphobic and homophobic murders. The election of Jair Bolsonaro as president has sparked more fear among LGBTQ+ Brazilians.
8. Daniela Vega
Vega reached global stardom when “A Fantastic Woman” was released. The Chilean film won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Academy Awards. The film was praised by critics for casting a trans woman to play a trans woman role as she navigates life, love and work as a trans woman in South America.
9. Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera is one of two trans women of color who initiated the modern Gay Rights Movement at Stonewall in 1969. Rivera was at the New York City bar when police raided and began harassing patrons. Rivera, along with Marsha P Johnson, fought back and the riot led to days of unrest and the first LGBTQ+ pride march in NYC.
