In Revolution, The Trans Terms Sylvia Rivera Used

I look to Sylvia Rivera, who passed in 2002, was an activist icon whose action approach to civil rights is one I admire. I like to think I’ve emulated part of her action approach to civil rights when I chained myself to the White House fence twice for repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, but I don’t think I’ve come close to measuring up to her example. But, she used terminology that was appropriate in her day for trans people that now would be considered dehumanizing. For example, she referred to 24/7 transitioners, no matter what their sexual orientation, as gay. She called herself a drag queen, a queen, a half-sister, and a transvestite who fought for the civil rights of gays. Later, she referred to herself as trans and transgender, then said moved to hating the labels. Her terms for herself changed over her life: she changed and grew,

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