Famous Mexican Activists

Lorena Borjas was a prominent Mexican-American transgender and immigrant rights activist based in Queens, New York. She was widely recognized as a leading figure in the transgender Latinx community and worked tirelessly on behalf of immigrant and transgender communities. Her advocacy efforts brought about positive change and garnered recognition across New York City and the United States. Lorena lived in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, where she served as a community leader and played a pivotal role in supporting marginalized groups.

Xiye Bastida is a prominent Mexican climate activist and member of the Indigenous Otomi community. She is known for her leadership in organizing Fridays for Future in New York City and advocating for indigenous and immigrant representation in climate activism. Xiye has been involved in various environmental movements, including the People's Climate Movement, Sunrise Movement, and Extinction Rebellion. She is the co-founder of Re-Earth Initiative, an international nonprofit organization focused on creating an inclusive and intersectional approach to addressing climate change.

Ricardo Flores Magón was a Mexican anarchist and social reform activist who played a significant role in the social movement that catalyzed the Mexican Revolution. Along with his brothers, Enrique and Jesús, he advocated for radical change and inspired a following known as Magonistas. Through his activism, writing, and leadership, Flores Magón challenged the existing political and social structures, working towards a more just and equitable society. His contributions and influence continue to be recognized in Mexican history.

Lydia María Cacho Ribeiro is a renowned Mexican journalist, feminist, and human rights activist known for her investigative reporting on violence against women and children. She gained widespread recognition for her book "Los Demonios del Edén" which exposed a pedophilia ring involving influential businessmen. Cacho's fearless journalism led to a scandal and a conspiracy to have her assaulted and raped by powerful figures. Despite facing threats and danger, she has been honored with prestigious awards for her courageous work in advocating for women's rights and press freedom.

Edwin Bustillos García was a Mexican agricultural engineer and human rights activist from the Sierra Madre region. He initially worked on a forestry-development project funded by the World Bank but shifted his focus to addressing humanitarian issues in the area, particularly drug trafficking and other illegal activities affecting the local population. In 1992, he founded the Consejo Asesor Sierra Madre, an organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the environment and native way of life. Bustillos received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 1996 for his efforts in preserving land in the Sierra Madre Occidental.

Heberto Castillo Martínez was a Mexican civil engineer and political activist. He was an accomplished engineer who taught at universities, wrote textbooks, and invented the tridilosa. Castillo became involved in workers' rights struggles, leading to imprisonment. He was critical of Soviet-bloc governments and advocated for a social democracy-based left wing in Mexico. Castillo co-founded three political parties and became a staunch critic of the Zapatista rebellion. He voluntarily withdrew from the presidential race in 1988 to support another candidate. Castillo received the Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor posthumously.

José Revueltas was a prominent Mexican writer, political activist, and essayist known for his fierce criticism of the Mexican Left. He faced multiple imprisonments throughout his career, notably for his involvement in the Railwaymen's Movement in 1958. Despite his legal challenges, Revueltas continued to be a prolific writer, producing works that challenged societal norms and political systems. His dedication to social justice and his willingness to speak out against injustices solidified his reputation as a significant figure in Mexican literature and political activism.

Adela Cojab Moadeb is a Mexican-born American activist, author, podcaster, and law student. She is a vocal advocate against antisemitism and has actively supported Zionist causes. Adela gained recognition for filing a formal complaint against New York University for permitting antisemitic activities on campus. Additionally, she co-hosted the podcast American-ish Show: Daughters of the Diaspora, where she engaged in discussions alongside Mariam Wahba. Adela's professional endeavors reflect her commitment to combating discrimination and promoting awareness around important social issues.

Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez was a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence, known for her role as an insurgent and supporter of the movement. She played a significant part in organizing and promoting revolutionary activities, contributing to the fight for independence against Spanish colonial rule. Ortiz de Domínguez's involvement in the Cry of Dolores reenactment highlights her enduring legacy as a patriotic figure in Mexican history, inspiring others to continue the struggle for freedom and independence.