honoring Lisseth RIvas sánchez
It is with a heavy heart we share about the passing of one of our steering committee members, Lisseth Sanchez, on Sunday July 30th 2023. Lisseth embodies the meaning of resting in power. When life refused to give her peace, she never stopped fighting to gain it for herself and her entire community.
Lisseth’s ability to speak on her experiences and the experiences of her community was crucial to improving the conditions of sex workers and trans women of color in the state of California, and around the world. Both in coalition meetings and in the offices of legislators Lisseth fiercely demanded those experiences be central to any solution created or action taken. Her legacy lives on through the countless impacts she made and the values she instilled onto those closest to her.
her story
Lisseth was born in El Salvador. It was there that she began her work as an activist, fighting for the rights of transgender people and sex workers, her people, her community. Lisseth’s unwavering commitment as a civil rights activist led to her imprisonment and torture, pushing her to come the the United States for asylum. When she began living in the US her commitment to activism for her communities was not swayed.
Through both policy advocacy and direct outreach, Lisseth fought for the rights, well-being, and peace of her community. In recent years, she met with legislators, including Governor Gavin Newsom to advocate for the passage of SB 357, repealing California’s discriminatory law that criminalized loitering with intent to commit prostitution. She worked with St. James Infirmary to ensure sex workers were aware of their rights and provided crucial direct support. She served as a steering committee member of our coaltion, DecrimSexWorkCA (a coalition dedicated to decriminalizing sex work and reducing direct and indirect criminalization of sex workers throughout the state).
Lisseth’s ability to speak on her experiences and the experiences of her community was crucial to improving the conditions of sex workers and trans women of color in the state of California, and around the world. Both in coalition meetings and in the offices of legislators Lisseth fiercely demanded those experiences be central to any solution created or action taken. Her legacy lives on through the countless impacts she made and the values she instilled onto those closest to her.
a letter for lisseth
Written by Luisa Rivera
Dear Lisseth,
Today we gather to say goodbye to you, a brave revolutionary who tirelessly fought for a more just and equitable world. Your departure has left an immense void in our hearts, but it has also left an indelible legacy in the history of the fight for freedom.
Your commitment to revolutionary ideals inspired us all. You were not afraid to face the challenges and adversities that life presented your way. You always carried the banner of justice high, standing up for the rights of the oppressed and fighting oppression with courage and determination.
Your indomitable spirit and your passion for equality were the spark that ignited the flame of revolution in many hearts. You were a leader and mentor to those around you, always ready to lend a helping hand and lend your wisdom and knowledge to those seeking guidance.
At every march, every protest, and every rally, you were there, out front, leading by example and demonstrating your unwavering commitment to the cause. Your bravery and dedication will never be forgotten.
Today, as we bid you farewell, we pledge to carry on your legacy. We will continue the fight that you loved so much, defending the principles that moved you and seeking a fairer world for all.
Your name will be remembered with honor and your memory will last in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Lisseth. May you find the peace and tranquility that you so deserve, knowing that your life was an example for all of us.
Goodbye, revolutionary comrade.
With deep respect and affection, your comrade LUISA
support
If you are interested in supporting Lisseth's work or donating toward her memorial expenses or to her family, please reach out.