Lorena Borjas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorena Borjas
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Lorena Borjas in 2019
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| Born | May 29, 1960 Veracruz, Mexico
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| Died | March 30, 2020 (aged 59) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Nationality | Mexican / US |
| Occupation | Transgender and immigrant rights activist |
| Years active | c. 1995–2020 |
Lorena Borjas (May 29, 1960 – March 30, 2020) was a brave Mexican-American activist. She worked hard for the rights of transgender people and immigrants. Many people called her the "mother" of the transgender Latinx community in Queens, New York.
Her important work helped many people in New York City and across the United States. She lived for many years in the Jackson Heights area of Queens. There, she was a well-known community leader.
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Early Life and Journey
Lorena Borjas was born in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1960. When she was seventeen, she left home. She lived on the streets of Mexico City for a time. Later, she studied public accounting in Mexico City.
Moving to the U.S.
In 1981, Lorena moved to the United States when she was twenty years old. Her goal was to live as a woman. At first, she helped Mexican transgender women. Later, she helped all Latin American transgender women.
In 1986, Lorena was given amnesty. This meant she could stay in the U.S. legally. By 1990, she became a legal permanent resident of the United States. In 2019, Lorena Borjas became a U.S. citizen.
Her Important Work
In 1995, Lorena decided to dedicate her life to activism. She helped women who had nowhere else to go. She let them stay in her own apartment. She supported them until they could live on their own. In 1995, she organized her first march to support the transgender community.
Lorena also worked with local non-profit groups. She first went to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project for help. Soon, she began working for them. She helped with issues related to immigration and justice.
With another activist named Chase Strangio, Lorena started the Lorena Borjas Community Fund. This fund helps people who need money for legal support.
Helping During the Pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, Lorena continued to help others. She started a fund online using GoFundMe. This fund helped transgender people who were struggling because of the economic crisis.
Lorena was not paid for most of her activism. She supported herself by working different jobs. These included counseling, community outreach, giving talks, and cleaning houses.
Founding an Organization
Lorena founded Colectivo Intercultural Transgrediendo. This was the first community group in Queens for transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQI people. It works to protect the rights of these groups.
Lorena dreamed of creating a safe place for transgender and non-binary people in Queens. Sadly, she passed away before she could finish this dream. Liaam Winslet, who leads Colectivo Intercultural Transgrediendo, is now working to make this dream come true. This safe place will be called Casa Trans Lorena Borjas.
Awards and Legacy
Lorena Borjas received many honors for her work. She was recognized by former Mayor David Dinkins and New York Attorney General Letitia James. In 2019, she was named a New York Woman of Distinction.
After she passed away, a street was renamed in her honor. On March 30, 2021, Baxter Avenue on 83rd street became Lorena Borjas Way. This was the street where she lived and worked.
In June 2020, Lorena was added to the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. This wall is at the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City’s Stonewall Inn. The SNM is the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and history.
Her Passing
Lorena Borjas passed away on March 30, 2020. She was 59 years old. She died at Coney Island Hospital from problems caused by COVID-19.
Many public figures shared tributes and memories of her online. These included Chase Strangio, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Letitia James, and Corey Johnson. A funeral service was held online using Zoom. About 250 people attended, following social distancing rules.
See also
In Spanish: Lorena Borjas para niños
