TODAY’S PRIDE HERO
José Julio Sarria (1922 - 2013)
I am far from an expert on Jose but learning about him gave me a great appreciation for all he has accomplished for the LGBTQ community. He was one of America’s gay rights pioneering leaders.
#LGBTVoices
Jose was a proud World War II veteran and the very first openly gay candidate to run for public office in North America. Born in San Francisco in 1922. His father showed no interest in his son’s life.
After being discharged from his duty in World War II, he studied to become a teacher and frequented the Black Cat where he began performing in drag.
Sarria took an alliance of social groups & developed it into the International Court System of 🇺🇸, 🇨🇦, and 🇲🇽 with chapters in over 68 countries. He helped form the first gay rights organizations in the country & the first gay non-profit registered in California.
International Court System is a whimsical LGBT fraternal organization that focuses on political action & helped jump-start the gay liberation movement. The ICS is the 2nd largest LGBT organization in the world focused on building community relationships for equality and charity.
His legacy as a gay Latino leader, activist and drag queen will live on in the LGBT Community. A section of 16th street in the Castro was renamed to Jose Sarria Court in his honor.
Members of #LGBTVoices will tweet about a different Pride Hero every day throughout the month of June.
We hope you RT us and show your support! ❤️ 🌈
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