Jose Sarria, a trailblazing figure in LGBTQ+ history, made history in 1961 as the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the United States. His courageous campaign and subsequent activism laid the foundation for the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

Jose Sarria's journey into activism began in San Francisco's vibrant LGBTQ+ community, where he gained recognition as a beloved drag performer and founder of the Imperial Court System. In 1961, he made history by running for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay candidate to seek public office. While Sarria's bid for political office was ultimately unsuccessful, his candidacy was a groundbreaking moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. His campaign and subsequent advocacy helped ignite a sense of political empowerment within the community, inspiring future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals to assert their presence and demand equality.

Jose Sarria's creation of the character Widow Norton for his drag performances and political activism was a powerful means of challenging societal norms and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Through satire and humor, Sarria used the character to subvert expectations, critique the status quo, and confront discrimination against gay individuals. By embodying Widow Norton, Sarria brought visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, defying societal expectations and demonstrating that gender identity and sexual orientation should not limit one's potential.

Beyond his political endeavors, Sarria's activism extended to other realms. He tirelessly fought against police harassment and discriminatory laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. His legendary "drag queen riots" at the Black Cat Tavern in 1967 marked a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, as the community united against oppression and discrimination.

Sarria's contributions to the LGBTQ+ community were not limited to political and activist work. As the founder of San Francisco’s Imperial Court System, he established a network of drag performers dedicated to fundraising for charitable causes. Through glamorous events and pageants, the Imperial Court System raised significant funds for HIV/AIDS research, LGBTQ+ youth support programs, and other vital community initiatives.