Sylvia Rivera was a Venezuelan-American LGBTQ+ activist born on July 2, 1951. She is best known for her role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which were pivotal in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Rivera co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with her friend Marsha P. Johnson, focusing on the needs of homeless transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Throughout her life, Rivera advocated for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly transgender people and people of color. She faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and poverty, but remained a passionate voice for social justice until her death on February 19, 2002. Her legacy continues to inspire activists today.