June is an extraordinary month filled with love, acceptance, and celebration! While Pride Month is known for fostering awareness and understanding across all genders and orientations, it is also an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of activists who fought and still fight for LGTQ+ rights. These five women played a pivotal role in their communities and American politics, but they are only a handful of fantastic activists you can learn about and support. 

Alexya Salvador

Alexya Salvador is a prominent transgender activist and religious leader from Brazil. Born in a conservative and religious family, Alexya faced significant challenges reconciling her gender identity with her faith. She underwent a personal and spiritual transformation, eventually embracing her true self as a transgender woman. In 2013, she became the first openly transgender pastor in Brazil, defying traditional beliefs and paving the way for greater inclusion within religious institutions.

As an activist, Alexya Salvador has been at the forefront of promoting dialogue and understanding between the LGBTQ+ community and religious communities. She advocated for the acceptance and affirmation of transgender individuals and challenged the harmful stereotypes and discrimination they often face. Her work fosters greater empathy, love, and support within religious circles, encouraging a more inclusive interpretation of Christian teachings.

Phyllis Akua Opoku – Gyimah (Lady Phyll)

Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, commonly known as Lady Phyll, is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of UK Black Pride. It provides a safe and inclusive space for people to express their identities, share their stories, and connect with others who understand their unique experiences.

Through UK Black Pride, Lady Phyll works to combat racism, homophobia, and transphobia, while also advocating for greater representation and equal rights for Black queer people. But her activism does not stop there. She addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities, promotes LGBTQ+ inclusive education, and advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Sarah McBride

Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender state senator in the United States. She won the election for the Delaware State Senate in 2020. Her election marked a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation in politics, and she continues to be a strong voice for equality, justice, and inclusion. Born and raised in Delaware, McBride has been involved in politics and activism from a young age. 

While attending American University, she served as student body president and worked to advance LGBTQ+ rights on campus. Her activism gained national attention when she interned at the White House during the Obama administration, becoming the first openly transgender woman to work there. Her political career includes serving as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and becoming the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party’s national convention when she addressed the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

Alice Nkom

Alice Nkom is a pioneering lawyer and human rights advocate from Cameroon. Her journey as an LGBTQ+ advocate began in the early 2000s when she took up the case of three men arrested for their homosexuality. Despite facing resistance and threats, Nkom fearlessly represented her clients and worked to shed light on the injustices they endured.

Her unwavering commitment to defending LGBTQ+ individuals in Cameroon has made her a prominent figure in the fight for equality. Nkom also founded the ADEFHO, the Association for the Defense of Homosexuality, which challenges Cameroon’s legal system’s criminalization of same-sex relationships.

Sharice Davids 

Sharice Davids is a trailblazing politician and advocate from the United States. She made history in 2018 when she became one of the first Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent Kansas in Congress. Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, grew up in a military family and later pursued a career in law. She is an advocate for progressive policies and worked to address issues such as affordable healthcare, infrastructure, and voting rights. She has also been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.

Celebrate the remarkable journey of women not only in the LGBTQ+ community but every community offering insights, stories, and resources that empower other women to embrace their identities, break down barriers, and stand tall in their uniqueness. No matter how you identify, the International Association of Women is a global professional community of women empowering women to achieve the impossible. Learn how our membership can help launch your dreams on our website!