Transfeminist Puerto Rico
Claudia Sofia Garriga Lopez
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 1:30 pm in 3401 Sterling Hall and virtually via Zoom.
This presentation documents and analyzes the contemporary history of transfeminism in Puerto Rico as a radical politics that centers trans liberation and upholds an anti-racist, decolonial, pro-migrant, anti-capitalist, pro-sex worker, and environmentalist stance. It traces the emergence of transfeminism in Puerto Rico to the leadership of feminist, queer, and trans students during the University of Puerto Rico strikes of 2005, 2010-2011, and 2017, and the massive protests of the summer of 2019. Dr. Garriga-López will map out a constellation transfeminist organizations such as Espicy Nipples, Sombrilla Cuir, El Hangar, La Casa del Joseo, Entre Putxs, Casa Cuna Editorial, Polvora Colectiva, The Trans Youth Coalition, and Borivogue, as well as feminist organizations predominantly comprised of cisgendered members like La Coalición del 8 de Marzo, Todas PR, Aborto Libre, La Colectiva Feminista en Construcción (La Cole), La Impresora, and Taller Salud who are taking on trans politics with a serious commitment. Their work is as varied as the needs and interests of the feminist, queer, and trans members who make up these organizations. Far from being a single-issue identity-based politics, Puerto Rican transfeminism represents a vibrant cultural scene and intersectional mutual aid ethos.