San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed officially declared August as Transgender History Month in the city, kicking off a month-long celebration of transgender cultural milestones in the area.
The proclamation, developed in partnership with the Transgender District and the Office of Transgender Initiatives, honors the 55th anniversary of the August 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riots in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, events that marked the beginning of transgender activism in the city.
In response to violent and constant police harassment, this incident was one of the first LGBTQ+ uprisings in U.S. history, predating the more well-known Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City.
"Our transgender community has a rich cultural history in this city and is very important to our diverse identity. San Francisco has been and always will be a place where all can seek refuge, sanctuary and safety. Today we celebrate both our city's pride and the pride of the transgender community," said Mayor Breed.
Tenderloin to Host Transgender History Month Celebrations
The Tenderloin is home to the Transgender District, created in 2018 as the Compton Transgender Cultural District, the nation's first legally recognized district dedicated to the transgender, non-binary and intersex community.
So, on Sunday, August 29, the District will host a neighborhood block party, "The Riot Party," with food, live music, and performances, among other amenities. The event will also honor community members who have advanced trans rights in San Francisco and elsewhere.
"Transgender History Month is so iconic! I don't think the general public realizes how many significant contributions to history, culture, social justice and, of course, popular culture transgender and gender non-conforming people have made," said Aria Sa 'id, co-founder and president of The Transgender District. "On behalf of The Transgender District, we are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone."
For her part, Clair Farley, executive director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives said San Francisco has long been a leader in fighting for trans rights and making critical investments to support our residents.
"This historic announcement, is an important way to honor those who have led the way for our movement and address the momentous work ahead of us to address the discrimination and violence still faced by trans and gender non-conforming communities."
During the proclamationOn Tuesday, Mayor Breed announced several investments in the trans and LGBTQ+ community, including the following:
- The first guaranteed income project of its kind for the trans community, prioritizing San Francisco residents most affected by the pandemic and those who are off other benefits. The budget includes $2 million for the program over the next two years.
- LGBTQ+ senior tele-mental health program and expanded digital access services. The new program will be funded through the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and will increase services for LGBTQ seniors while adding much-needed mental health resources for community members who have experienced increased isolation, depression and anxiety due to COVID-19. The pilot project is funded at $900,000 over the next year.
- Support for small businesses and arts and cultural programs, including $12 million to acquire a site to house the country's first large-scale LGBTQ+ Museum.
- Policies and initiatives that aim to break the cycle of violence and discrimination against transgender communities, especially African American trans women who experience disproportionate levels of violence. Mayor Breed's "Dream Keeper" initiative will invest $2.2 million in equity programs for African American transgender people over the next two years.
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