Fantastic article, S. Baum. Rivera deserves recognition as much as Marsha P. Johnson, even if it was Johnson who essentially adopted and nurtured Rivera when the latter found herself trying to survive on the Lower West Side. There is some video of this speech, but, as you point out, sadly we do not have a record of it in its entirety.
In recent years, there have been several prominent and privileged trans people who have been more than quick to absorb and use their privilege, while seemingly throwing their less privileged cousins under the proverbial bus. S. Baum’s article is a sobering reminder of the hatred, suffering, and sacrifices that early trans pioneers endured so that these privileged modern trans people could live their lives decades later. May they not ever forget that, nor may they ever take their current privileges for granted. Rights that are expendable for the most vulnerable, have an odd way of becoming expendable for everyone. That is exactly what the current transphobic movement seeks to do.
This could be a lesson to those contemptible imbeciles like Veronica Erin, SabbyKat, and Sarah McBride, that "respectability" politics produce such contemptible behavior as is related here -- throwing none of us per se under the bus is all that is acceptable.
At Pride in the Valley (Warren, OH) last weekend, there were biography plaques all around the park hosting the festival, so we could read about Sylvia and Marsha and many other folks who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights over the years. I thought that was a nice touch, reminding many of the younger attendees of our collective history.
That speech was so powerful. The way she got the crowd to go from boos and jeers initially to getting them all to spell out "Gay Power" at the end. Amazing. It feels like people don't talk that way anymore. Maybe it's time to start again.
The President has been so insistent that the T be removed from daily life, I feel the only appropriate response is to accommodate him. He should henceforth be known only as President Rump.
I only learned about Silvia and Marsha after coming out as trans and well into my transition. I had never heard of them before. When I heard Silvia's speech for the first time I knew it was special. Although I never experienced the things that happened to her I absolutely understand it and respect her strength for being able to push through it. While I was too afraid to let anyone know about me, she was telling the world and living her truth. She now serves as inspiration for me to do more to be more. I am out and visibly trans and able to be so because of people like Silvia, like Marsha. I am no longer afraid to stand up for trans rights, trans liberation, women and all marginalized groups. I will continue the fight that the queers at stonewall started, because I have no choice but to do so. After 40 years of hiding I am done with these hateful nasty people. Trans liberation now!
Fantastic article, S. Baum. Rivera deserves recognition as much as Marsha P. Johnson, even if it was Johnson who essentially adopted and nurtured Rivera when the latter found herself trying to survive on the Lower West Side. There is some video of this speech, but, as you point out, sadly we do not have a record of it in its entirety.
Also, never forget that Marsha P. Johnson was murdered in 1989, and the NYPD didn't start investigating it until 2017
In recent years, there have been several prominent and privileged trans people who have been more than quick to absorb and use their privilege, while seemingly throwing their less privileged cousins under the proverbial bus. S. Baum’s article is a sobering reminder of the hatred, suffering, and sacrifices that early trans pioneers endured so that these privileged modern trans people could live their lives decades later. May they not ever forget that, nor may they ever take their current privileges for granted. Rights that are expendable for the most vulnerable, have an odd way of becoming expendable for everyone. That is exactly what the current transphobic movement seeks to do.
I’ve heard Sylvia’s speech before but always worth another listen. I also learned today this was the same day as the UpStairs Lounge arson attack.
Thank you, again, Erin, for all your work.
This could be a lesson to those contemptible imbeciles like Veronica Erin, SabbyKat, and Sarah McBride, that "respectability" politics produce such contemptible behavior as is related here -- throwing none of us per se under the bus is all that is acceptable.
At Pride in the Valley (Warren, OH) last weekend, there were biography plaques all around the park hosting the festival, so we could read about Sylvia and Marsha and many other folks who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights over the years. I thought that was a nice touch, reminding many of the younger attendees of our collective history.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project in NYC advocates for the most marginalized queer, trans, and gnc folks: https://srlp.org/
Please add a link to TGIJP!!
Done!
That speech was so powerful. The way she got the crowd to go from boos and jeers initially to getting them all to spell out "Gay Power" at the end. Amazing. It feels like people don't talk that way anymore. Maybe it's time to start again.
She was a Force!!! We should absolutely heed her words- and never be silent!
Thank you so much for this article and push
Amazing!! 😻
The President has been so insistent that the T be removed from daily life, I feel the only appropriate response is to accommodate him. He should henceforth be known only as President Rump.
I only learned about Silvia and Marsha after coming out as trans and well into my transition. I had never heard of them before. When I heard Silvia's speech for the first time I knew it was special. Although I never experienced the things that happened to her I absolutely understand it and respect her strength for being able to push through it. While I was too afraid to let anyone know about me, she was telling the world and living her truth. She now serves as inspiration for me to do more to be more. I am out and visibly trans and able to be so because of people like Silvia, like Marsha. I am no longer afraid to stand up for trans rights, trans liberation, women and all marginalized groups. I will continue the fight that the queers at stonewall started, because I have no choice but to do so. After 40 years of hiding I am done with these hateful nasty people. Trans liberation now!
The courage of Marsha and Sylvia was amazing. They sacrificed everything to help us.
Bravo! 🌈🔥🌻