Carmen Vázquez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carmen Vázquez
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Vázquez at the 2011 Vicki ... Award ceremony
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| Born | January 13, 1949 Puerto Rico
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| Died | January 27, 2021 (aged 72) New York City, U.S.
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| Education | City University of New York |
| Movement | LGBT rights movement, Immigrant Rights |
Carmen Vázquez (born January 13, 1949 – died January 27, 2021) was an American activist, writer, and thinker. She spent her life working to make things better for different communities, especially for people who are immigrants and those in the LGBTQ+ community. She believed in fairness and equality for everyone.
Early Life and Education
Carmen Vázquez was born in Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of seven children. Her family later moved to Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City, where she grew up. She was a dedicated student and went to the City University of New York. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in English and later a master's degree in education.
Working for Change: Her Activism
After finishing her studies, Carmen Vázquez moved to San Francisco. She lived and worked there for nearly 20 years. During this time, she became a very important activist. She worked on many different causes, from helping immigrants to supporting the health of women in the LGBTQ+ community.
In San Francisco, she helped start a place called The Women's Building. This center helps women and families in many ways. She also became the leader of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, an organization that helps people who have moved to a new country. Later, she worked for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, where she helped coordinate health services for gay and lesbian people. She also co-founded Somos Hermanas, a group that supported women from Central America.
In 1994, Carmen Vázquez returned to New York City. She continued her important work there. She served as the Director of Public Policy for the LGBT Community Center from 1994 to 2003. This center provides support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. She also worked as a deputy director for the Empire State Pride Agenda and helped coordinate health services for the LGBTQ+ community at the AIDS Institute, which is part of the New York Department of Health.
Carmen Vázquez was a founding member of the New York State LGBT Health and Human Services Network. She also served on the board of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a group that works for LGBTQ+ rights. From 2004 to 2006, she was a co-chair of Equality Federation, another organization focused on LGBTQ+ equality. She also helped start Causes in Common, a national group that brought together activists working for equality and fairness for different communities.
Her dedication was recognized when she received an honorary degree from CUNY School of Law in 2004. Her writings and essays were published in several books. Carmen also served on the Advisory Council and as co-chairperson of the board of directors for the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, which works to protect human rights and freedoms.
Her Passing
Carmen Vázquez passed away on January 27, 2021. Her death was due to complications from COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. She is remembered for her strong voice and tireless work for justice and equality.
