Sylvia Rivera, a Latina of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent, was a groundbreaking activist who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and transgender visibility during a time when both were widely ignored. Born and raised in New York City, Rivera faced significant adversity throughout her life, including poverty, discrimination, and homelessness. Despite these hardships, she emerged as a powerful voice for marginalized communities, particularly transgender women of color, whose struggles were often sidelined within the broader LGBTQ+ movement. Her advocacy work and courageous activism laid the foundation for modern transgender and LGBTQ+ rights movements, making her an essential figure to honor during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Rivera is perhaps best known for her participation in the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Along with other trans women and drag queens, Rivera was on the frontlines of the protests, pushing back against police brutality and demanding justice for the community. Though often overlooked in historical accounts, her presence at Stonewall was a critical moment in her activism. It inspired her lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of those most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community—especially transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.
In 1970, Rivera co-founded the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and later, with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson, established Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). STAR was dedicated to providing housing and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, many of whom had been abandoned by their families and communities. Rivera and Johnson understood the unique challenges faced by transgender people, particularly in terms of housing, healthcare, and employment discrimination, and they worked tirelessly to provide direct aid to those in need. Rivera’s activism often placed her at odds with more mainstream LGBTQ+ organizations, which she felt neglected the transgender community in their pursuit of broader legal rights.
As we recognize Sylvia Rivera during Hispanic Heritage Month, her legacy as a pioneering activist who fought against all forms of oppression remains incredibly relevant today. She tirelessly championed the rights of those often left on the margins of society and the LGBTQ+ movement. Rivera's work reminds us that progress in civil rights must be intersectional and inclusive, and her enduring influence continues to inspire activists advocating for justice and equality across the world.
As we highlight some of the Hispanic and Latin trailblazers of our history, we want to also highlight the amazing work of local leaders that embrace the same missions and fight for freedoms.
Meet Katherine Aguilar:
Katherine Aguilar, born in El Salvador, but a lifelong Worcester resident, is the CEO and Founder of K Sense Co. (Kommon Sense). She has extensive experience in leadership, business development, diversity and inclusionary work, and advocating for those without a voice.
A graduate of Quinsigamond Community College, and Worcester State University, Katherine has a degree in Finance with a double minor in Economics and Spanish from Worcester State University. She is the President for the Young Professional Women’s Association of Worcester, Committee Chair for Equity Inclusion and Accountability for the League of Women Voters Worcester Chapter. Katherine organizes several annual fundraisers for young girls and women in her native town of Cuisnahuat, Sonsonate, El Salvador. She has been awarded Worcester Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2022 and Worcester Pulse People to Watch 2022.
Like Sylvia, Katherine is engages in upholding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. As the Community Engagement & Diversity Director for Worcester Pride, Katherine plays a crucial role in creating safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, leading initiatives that focus on inclusivity, equity, and visibility for all members of the community.
She has established a partnership with green hill golf course to offer a free 8-week golf clinic and has organized the 1st Pride Worcester Friendsgiving (a free community dinner). In addition, she has spearheaded the Pride Political forum and has helped organize one for this local election 2025.
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