Sally Ride (She/Her)
1951-2012

She made history in 1983 as the first American woman in space. Beyond her groundbreaking spaceflight, Ride was a physicist and dedicated advocate for science education. Following her NASA career, she founded Sally Ride Science, inspiring youth, particularly girls, in STEM fields. Ride's legacy extends not only for her achievements in space but also as a role model; she later became the first known LGBTQ astronaut.

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Bayard Rustin (He/Him)
1912-1987

He was a prominent civil rights activist known for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance and his close association with Martin Luther King Jr. He played a crucial role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Rustin faced discrimination due to his sexuality but remained dedicated to the fight for equality throughout his life. His commitment to social justice and his strategic organizing skills left a lasting impact on the civil rights movement.

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Amrita Sher-Gil (She/Her)
1913 - 1941

She was a pioneering Indian painter known for her evocative artworks blending European influences with Indian themes. Raised in an artistic family, she showed remarkable talent early on. Her brief but impactful career left a lasting legacy in Indian art, capturing the essence of everyday life with sensitivity and depth. Despite challenges to her identity, including the burning of early letters describing her relationships with women by her mother, Sher-Gil's bisexuality remains openly discussed, solidifying her place as one of the most well-known Indian women in art history.

Sylvia Rivera (She/Her)
1951 - 2002

Born in 1951 in New York City, she was a pioneering transgender activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a watershed moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout her life, Rivera co-founded both the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, tirelessly working to uplift marginalized communities. She fiercely advocated for the inclusion of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, emphasizing the intersectionality of social justice struggles.

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (She/Her)
1972 - Present

Also known as Kumu Hina, She is a Native Hawaiian transgender activist, educator, and cultural practitioner. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she advocates for transgender rights and cultural preservation. Wong-Kalu's documentary "Kumu Hina" portrays her journey navigating Hawaiian society. Through activism and education, she inspires others to embrace their identities and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impact on Hawaii's LGBTQ+ community.

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Stop by CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center!

Located on the first floor of North Academic Building (NAC), Room 1/101B in the “Safe Space” resource room, the center serves as a hub for new student programs and activities. The LGBTQ+ Student Center is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ students and allies to meet and build community. You all are welcome here!

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