We mourn the loss of Jacqueline Rocha Côrtes, a trailblazing activist whose life was dedicated to fighting for the rights of people living with HIV, particularly those in the transgender community. Jacqueline passed away on 14 August 2024, in São Paulo, at the age of 64, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Jacqueline’s journey was marked by extraordinary courage and resilience. Embracing her true self at the age of 38, she became a powerful voice for transgender rights in a society often hostile to the LGBTQ+ community.
Her life took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with AIDS in 1994. Rather than succumbing to despair, Jacqueline transformed her personal struggle into a driving force for activism. As a co-founder of the National Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RNP+ Brasil) and a key figure in the National Movement of Positive Citizens, she became a tireless advocate for those affected by the epidemic.
Jacqueline’s influence extended far beyond Brazil. Her appointment as the first transgender consultant for UNAIDS in 2000 was a historic milestone. As the third UNAIDS PCB NGO Delegate from Latin America and the Caribbean, representing Red Latinoamericana de Personas Viviendo con el VIH/SIDA (RED LA+), she championed the rights of the most marginalized, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and determination.
Jacqueline Rocha Côrtes was more than an activist; she was a visionary who inspired countless individuals to fight for justice and equality. Her unwavering commitment to her community will continue to shape the world for generations to come.