FEMISH Magazine June 2023

Queer Latinx Advocate, Political & Community Organizer, Former Candidate for NY State Assembly, and works in Communications for the nonprofit Lambda Legal; an organization dedicated to the civil rights of the LGBTQ community.

Featured in a New York Times article discussing the growth of acceptance and advocacy of non-binary, trans and gender nonconfirming people at the workplace, Samy is an inspiration to all people who don't want to minimize or hide who they are.

"It is normal that people wear whatever makes them feel powerful and confident and secure."

Born in Puerto Rico and raised by a single mom who worked as a social worker, Samy used journalism to bring attention to marginalized communities fueled by their own experiences and those of their parents. Until the 2016 election, when Samy decided they needed to enter politics to create sustainable change.

Samy joined the Center for Popular Democracy, fighting for DACA and Medicare for All. They then co-founded Bushwick Ayuda Mutua (Brooklyn Mutual Aid).

My mother went through bankruptcy and had to take on so much credit card debt, struggling to raise my sister and I. It was a very formative experience for me, and showed me how unequal society could be and how circumstances for people can change in a moment...

Since then, Samy has run for office and continues to advocate for real change with community organizations Samy is a co-host of the podcast Super Queers, coaches others to educate and train on LGBTQIA issues, and is available to speak at events and conferences. FEMISH is excited to have them part of our next event, July 16th, in Chicago: Go FEMME Yourself, which Samy creatively named.

Samy is a bright sunshine full of education and experience. You cannot help but leave a conversation with them, feeling happy, hopeful, and seen. We encourage you to follow their journey.

Nemir-Oliveras in the NYT