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She fled Guatemala at a very young age because she could not accept rejection, violence from society, or even death for her sexual orientation and gender identity. Zafiro Rivera has lived in San Francisco, California, since 1992, where she faces daily challenges such as transphobia, homophobia, and discrimination, acts of hate that, despite her struggle, continue to persist.
Always beautiful, with an infectious smile and full of enthusiasm, Zafiro went from being a victim to raising her voice to fight for the rights of trans women and the LGBTQI+ community, especially those of Latin origin, who, out of fear, shame or ignorance, have been left behind in the protection of their rights.
Zafiro Rivera, a transgender woman, former sex worker, and current activist, has seen fellow activists die due to addiction problems and, therefore, has not remained silent in the face of the problems that girls like her face.
"Many transgender women in San Francisco face stigmas and problems such as transphobia, discrimination, lack of job opportunities, access to decent housing or an immigration status that allows them to have better living conditions," Zafiro Rivera told Pensula 360 Press.
For Zafiro, being a trans girl is not a shame. "We face many challenges, especially in our places of origin. We face transphobia, discrimination, even among ourselves, but we also experience these problems in cities like San Francisco."
"That's why we do the marches," Zafiro said, adjusting her hair and checking that she looks beautiful. "We have to make ourselves present so that our voices are heard, to make ourselves visible, so that people understand us and comprehend us a little more. It's important that the population knows and respects gender diversity."
There and here the same problems
Her vanity prevents her from doing so, but Zafiro is fully aware of the problems that trans girls face in San Francisco and other towns, the same ones that have persisted despite California being one of the most progressive states in terms of LGBTTTIQ+ rights.
"Problems like homelessness, health insurance, immigration, many things that girls need. There is help, but sometimes there are barriers to people getting that help: the language, your immigration status, all of these are things that prevent girls from being able to access those services," she stressed.
Paying bills, rent, food and clothing is something we all go through in our adult lives, but