Urvashi Vaid
- Born:
- October 8, 1958, New Delhi, India
- Died:
- May 13, 2022, New York City, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Activist, Writer, Lawyer
Early Life and Education
- Immigrated to the United States with her family at age 8.
- Graduated from Vassar College in 1979.
- Received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Northeastern University School of Law.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a staff attorney for the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
- Served as Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) from 1989 to 1992.
- Founded the Think Tank Policy Institute at NGLTF.
- Authored numerous articles and books on LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
- Advocated for intersectional activism, recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression.
- Her work significantly influenced the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The impact of Urvashi Vaid quotes about life and activism continues to inspire.
Notable Works
- Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay & Lesbian Liberation (1995)
- Freedom Blues: 28 Days in the Life of a Grassroots Organizer (2001)
- Co-edited Creating Change: Public Policy to Benefit Lesbian and Gay Americans (2000).
- Numerous articles and essays on LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, and political activism.
Legacy and Impact
Urvashi Vaid was a leading voice in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her activism, writing, and leadership helped to advance LGBTQ+ equality and social justice in the United States and beyond. She advocated for intersectionality and challenged the movement to address broader issues of inequality and oppression.