The Purple Puerto Rican Flag: A Symbol of Resistance
More Than Just a Symbol
The Purple Puerto Rican Flag is a powerful adaptation of the traditional flag, representing the struggle, pain, and triumph of Borikua women who have survived domestic violence. It serves as a declaration of royalty, power, and resilience.
"It's a reminder to the world that our Borikua women are queens, deserving of respect, dignity, and reverence. For too long, our women have been marginalized, erased, and silenced. But we will not be ignored. We will rise, we will resist, and we will reclaim our rightful place as leaders, as warriors, and as guardians of our island's spirit."
This emblem has become a beacon of hope, a symbol of solidarity, and a reminder that the voices of Puerto Rican women will no longer be silenced. The flag particularly highlights the crisis of gender-based violence in Puerto Rico, which was declared a state of emergency in 2021.
Credit: Flag created by Elvis Katari (2018). Text adapted from the creator's description of the flag's meaning and purpose.
"The purple flag also holds a deeper significance - it represents the struggle, the pain, and the triumph of our Borikua women who have survived domestic violence. The news may not cover it, but we know the truth. We will amplify their voices, we will hold space for their stories, and we will fight tirelessly for their justice. ¡Las mujeres Borikúas somos poderosas!"
Puerto Rican Women: Fuerza y Resistencia
Women's History Month is a time to honor the countless contributions of Puerto Rican women who have shaped our history, culture, and ongoing struggles for justice. From indigenous Taíno cacicas to contemporary activists, Puerto Rican women have been at the forefront of resistance movements, cultural preservation, and community building both on the island and throughout the diaspora.
As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by women in our communities and recommit ourselves to the fight for gender equity, reproductive justice, and liberation for all.
Women in Puerto Rican History
Lolita Lebrón (1919-2010)
A nationalist leader who led the 1954 armed attack on the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to Puerto Rico's colonial status. After serving 25 years in prison, she was pardoned by President Carter and continued her activism for Puerto Rican independence. She famously declared, "I did not come to kill anyone, I came to die for Puerto Rico!"
Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922)
One of Puerto Rico's most famous labor organizers and women's rights activists. A fierce advocate for workers' rights and women's suffrage, she was also known for challenging gender norms by wearing men's clothing in public. Her 1910 book "Mi opinión sobre las libertades, derechos y deberes de la mujer" (My Opinion on the Liberties, Rights, and Duties of Women) is considered a feminist classic.
Julia de Burgos (1914-1953)
A poet whose work explored themes of feminism, social justice, and Puerto Rican identity. Her poetry challenged colonial rule and patriarchal structures while celebrating the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. Despite her tragically short life, her work continues to inspire generations of writers and activists. Her most famous poems include "Río Grande de Loíza" and "A Julia de Burgos."
Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002)
A pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent who fought for transgender rights and was present at the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Co-founder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Marsha P. Johnson, Rivera dedicated her life to helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for those at the margins of society.
Feminism and Civil Rights
Puerto Rican feminism has a rich and complex history that intertwines with struggles against colonialism, economic exploitation, and racial discrimination. The movement has always been intersectional, addressing how gender oppression connects with other systems of power.
Key Moments in Puerto Rican Feminist History:
- 1917: The Jones Act grants U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, giving women the right to organize politically
- 1932: Puerto Rican women gain suffrage (limited to literate women initially)
- 1935: Universal suffrage for all Puerto Rican women
- 1956: Inauguration of the first women's rights organization in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican Association of Women Suffragists
- 1970s: Rise of feminist organizations addressing reproductive rights during the mass sterilization campaigns
- 1990s-present: Growing focus on intersectionality, addressing violence against women, and LGBTQ+ rights
Issues in Contemporary Puerto Rican Feminism:
Gender-Based Violence
Addressing the ongoing crisis of femicide and domestic violence in Puerto Rico, which was declared a state of emergency in 2021.
Reproductive Justice
Fighting for bodily autonomy and addressing the historical trauma of forced sterilization campaigns that targeted Puerto Rican women.
Environmental Justice
Women-led grassroots organizing against environmental contamination and climate change impacts that disproportionately affect women.
Economic Justice
Advocating for fair wages, labor protections, and policies that recognize women's unpaid domestic and care work.
Contemporary Women Leaders
Elizabeth Crespo Kebler
Scholar and feminist whose work focuses on education and women's studies in Puerto Rico
Carmen Yulín Cruz
Former Mayor of San Juan who gained international recognition for her leadership after Hurricane Maria
Mayra Santos-Febres
Award-winning author and professor whose work explores gender, sexuality, and Afro-Puerto Rican identity
Taller Salud
Feminist community organization focused on women's health and violence prevention in Loíza
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén
Lawyer, activist, and politician who was the first Black woman to preside over the Puerto Rico Bar Association
Resources & Support
On-Campus Resources at Yale
- SHARE Center (Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education)
- Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department
- Women Faculty Forum
- Women of Color Collective at Yale
- Walden Peer Counseling
National Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Puerto Rico-Specific Resources
Connecticut Resources for Survivors
Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
24-hr hotline, free, confidential
English: 1-888-999-5545
Español: 1-888-568-8332
Visit WebsiteSafe Haven of Greater Waterbury
Offering counseling, support groups, and DOVE (8-week class about impacts of domestic violence)
Arts healing opportunities and resources available in Spanish and Portuguese
Visit WebsiteHispanic Health Council
Comprehensive services including Behavior Healthcare for victims of intimate partner violence
Also offers community outreach, health protection, case management, and wellness services
Visit WebsiteCT Office of the Victim Advocate
Independent, state-wide organization helping victims of sexual assault navigate the criminal justice system
Visit WebsiteIf you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, please reach out to one of these resources. Your safety matters, and help is available. All of these services offer confidential support.
Upcoming Events
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Film Screening: "Lolita, la de los planos"
March 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM | La Casa Cultural
Join us for a screening of this documentary about Lolita Lebrón followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.
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Panel: "Puerto Rican Feminisms: Past, Present, and Future"
March 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM | WLH 208
Faculty and student discussion on the evolution of feminist movements in Puerto Rico and the diaspora.
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Workshop: "Poetry and Resistance"
March 28, 2025 | 6:30 PM | La Casa Cultural
Creative writing workshop inspired by the work of Julia de Burgos and other Puerto Rican feminist poets.
Get Involved
Join Despierta Boricua in honoring the legacy of Puerto Rican women and supporting ongoing efforts for gender justice.