The Association of Latino/as Motivating Action (ALMA) stands in solidarity with all LGBT Latino/as mourning the death of transgender Latina activist, Zoraida Reyes from Orange County, CA.
Zoraida began her activism by advocating for the federal DREAM Act, which would have granted undocumented youth a path to citizenship. She continued her activism to push for immigration reform, most recently calling on President Obama to put an end to the deportations that separate LGBT families. Zoraida understood first-hand the relationship between being transgender and undocumented — and educated the LGBT community and the immigrant communities on the importance of intersectional struggles and cross-community building. She will truly be missed, but will find herself amongst other LGBT Latina/o heroes who have paved the way for us.
Zoraida’s death is an unfortunate reminder to all of us — that LGBT Latino/as, especially undocumented immigrants, continue to live in fear as a result of these heinous acts that happen too often. Just because this happened in California, does not mean it has not already happened or it won’t happen again here in Illinois. We must all work, collectively, to ensure that all members of our community can thrive and be who they are in an affirming and safe community. ALMA is committed to that work, and in honor of Zoraida and all other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Latino/a activists who have lost their lives, we will get that work done.
Rest in peace Zoraida, we look forward to your guidance as we move our communities forward.
More information at www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Body-Found-Behind-Anaheim-Dairy-Queen-Considered-Suspicious-263008591.html.