Jose Sarria Foundation
@josesarria.bsky.social
Jose was the first out candidate for public office when he ran in 1961. Known as the Mother of the LGBT+ community, he dedicated his life to the fight for equality. A 501c3 public charity committed to sharing his inspiring story. josesarria.org
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jose Sarria felt moved to serve his country and he did so in WW2 in Europe. After the fall of Berlin, he served as a part of the occupation forces after the war. This photo is of Jose and a fellow soldier on board "Hitler's Yacht" on the Rhine river. LGBTQ hero!
December 7, 2025 at 5:12 PM
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jose Sarria felt moved to serve his country and he did so in WW2 in Europe. After the fall of Berlin, he served as a part of the occupation forces after the war. This photo is of Jose and a fellow soldier on board "Hitler's Yacht" on the Rhine river. LGBTQ hero!
A great of photo of Jose and Mike Tresini at the Beaux Arts Ball hosted by the Tavern Guild the night Jose was crowned Empress in 1965. A well known b/w photo depicts Jose and her ladies in waiting, it's great to know the dress Jose wore was pink. For the love of Mama Jose... josesarria.org/sparkle
December 6, 2025 at 7:01 PM
A great of photo of Jose and Mike Tresini at the Beaux Arts Ball hosted by the Tavern Guild the night Jose was crowned Empress in 1965. A well known b/w photo depicts Jose and her ladies in waiting, it's great to know the dress Jose wore was pink. For the love of Mama Jose... josesarria.org/sparkle
12 Days of Jose: From the film Too Wong Foo, here we see Jose as part of the panel of judges early in the film. LtoR: Jose Sarria, Flotilla Debarge, Quentin Crisp, Lady Bunny, Matthew Kasten and Suzanne Bartsch Join us in Palm Springs for the Sparkle Gala on Dec 13. josesarria.org/sparkle
December 2, 2025 at 8:58 PM
12 Days of Jose: From the film Too Wong Foo, here we see Jose as part of the panel of judges early in the film. LtoR: Jose Sarria, Flotilla Debarge, Quentin Crisp, Lady Bunny, Matthew Kasten and Suzanne Bartsch Join us in Palm Springs for the Sparkle Gala on Dec 13. josesarria.org/sparkle
Day 1 of the 12 Days of Jose: Jose Sarria dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Dance-Along Nutcracker Suite Ballet on Dec 17, 1995. It’s an annual holiday fundraiser for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Photo: Lea Suzuki
Join us in Palm Springs on Dec 13 josesarria.org/sparkle
Join us in Palm Springs on Dec 13 josesarria.org/sparkle
December 1, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Day 1 of the 12 Days of Jose: Jose Sarria dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Dance-Along Nutcracker Suite Ballet on Dec 17, 1995. It’s an annual holiday fundraiser for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Photo: Lea Suzuki
Join us in Palm Springs on Dec 13 josesarria.org/sparkle
Join us in Palm Springs on Dec 13 josesarria.org/sparkle
United We Stand: Divided they catch us one by one - Jose Sarria
November 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
United We Stand: Divided they catch us one by one - Jose Sarria
Jose served in Europe during WW2 and was in Berlin for it's Fall. He stayed on after VE day as a part of the occupation forces and he never shied from the fight for freedom. Thank you to Jose and lgbtq+ veterans through history.
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
November 11, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Jose served in Europe during WW2 and was in Berlin for it's Fall. He stayed on after VE day as a part of the occupation forces and he never shied from the fight for freedom. Thank you to Jose and lgbtq+ veterans through history.
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
We are thrilled to announce a Jose Sarria Pop Up museum in Palm Springs in honor of the Imperial Court System's 60th Anniversary. Open from Oct 16 to Dec 18 at the historic Welwood Murray Library building, 100 S Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA. For the love of Mama Jose... josesarria.org/museum
July 16, 2025 at 4:16 PM
We are thrilled to announce a Jose Sarria Pop Up museum in Palm Springs in honor of the Imperial Court System's 60th Anniversary. Open from Oct 16 to Dec 18 at the historic Welwood Murray Library building, 100 S Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA. For the love of Mama Jose... josesarria.org/museum
Jose Sarria is included in a story on lgbtq+ politicians done by the ABC affiliate in Philadelphia in honor of Pride month. Enjoy this story the "Rainbow Wave". For the love of Mama Jose...
6abc.com/post/rainbow...
6abc.com/post/rainbow...
Rainbow Wave of Political Representation
LGBTQ lawmakers are being elected to public office in what some call a Rainbow Wave.
6abc.com
June 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Jose Sarria is included in a story on lgbtq+ politicians done by the ABC affiliate in Philadelphia in honor of Pride month. Enjoy this story the "Rainbow Wave". For the love of Mama Jose...
6abc.com/post/rainbow...
6abc.com/post/rainbow...
Happy Pride Month! We hope you are being out, loud and proud today and every day. #NoKingsDay
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
June 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Happy Pride Month! We hope you are being out, loud and proud today and every day. #NoKingsDay
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
Pride is a Protest! Never forget those are the roots of the annual Pride celebrations and remember those who paved the road for us today. We thank Jose Sarria, the mother of the LGBT+ community, for helping win the many rights we have today. For the love of Mama Jose... prideisaprotest.com/9
May 19, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Pride is a Protest! Never forget those are the roots of the annual Pride celebrations and remember those who paved the road for us today. We thank Jose Sarria, the mother of the LGBT+ community, for helping win the many rights we have today. For the love of Mama Jose... prideisaprotest.com/9
Victor Valley College jn Victorville, CA opened their first lgbtq+ Resource Center on April 4 with a festive open house and resource fair. Thank you to VVC for being so welcoming and thank you for celebrating Jose Sarria's memory. For the love of Mama Jose...
www.vvdailypress.com/picture-gall...
www.vvdailypress.com/picture-gall...
GALLERY: Victor Valley College unveils first-ever LGBTQ+ resource center
Here is a gallery of images from Victor Valley College's ribbon cutting ceremony on their very first LGBTQ+ resource center.
www.vvdailypress.com
April 6, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Victor Valley College jn Victorville, CA opened their first lgbtq+ Resource Center on April 4 with a festive open house and resource fair. Thank you to VVC for being so welcoming and thank you for celebrating Jose Sarria's memory. For the love of Mama Jose...
www.vvdailypress.com/picture-gall...
www.vvdailypress.com/picture-gall...
A great article about the Black Cat Cafe and Jose.
"United we stand, divided they catch us one by one." - Jose Sarria
For the love of Mama Jose...
www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/03/the-...
"United we stand, divided they catch us one by one." - Jose Sarria
For the love of Mama Jose...
www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/03/the-...
The Black Cat served gay patrons & fought for their rights years before Stonewall - LGBTQ Nation
The bar won an early court victory for gay people's right to meet in public.
www.lgbtqnation.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:31 AM
A great article about the Black Cat Cafe and Jose.
"United we stand, divided they catch us one by one." - Jose Sarria
For the love of Mama Jose...
www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/03/the-...
"United we stand, divided they catch us one by one." - Jose Sarria
For the love of Mama Jose...
www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/03/the-...
The LGBTQ+ community will not be erased, we must stand up for each other and know the battles Jose fought in the 1940s-50s are back. Today on Pink Triangle Day, let us remember Jose Sarria's rallying cry... "United We Stand, divided they catch us one by one."
www.history.com/news/pink-tr...
www.history.com/news/pink-tr...
February 14, 2025 at 6:14 PM
The LGBTQ+ community will not be erased, we must stand up for each other and know the battles Jose fought in the 1940s-50s are back. Today on Pink Triangle Day, let us remember Jose Sarria's rallying cry... "United We Stand, divided they catch us one by one."
www.history.com/news/pink-tr...
www.history.com/news/pink-tr...
Happy Lunar New Year! May the year of the snake bring wisdom, transformation, and strength to all. Here’s to embracing change and celebrating new beginnings with grace and courage.
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
January 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Happy Lunar New Year! May the year of the snake bring wisdom, transformation, and strength to all. Here’s to embracing change and celebrating new beginnings with grace and courage.
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
80 years ago today Allied forces liberated Auschwitz the world was able to see the horror that had been the Nazi deathcamps. One of those in Europe fighting fascism was a gay man named Jose Sarria. He returned home to San Francisco and fought to create the lgbtq+ community of today. Never forget!
January 27, 2025 at 5:37 PM
80 years ago today Allied forces liberated Auschwitz the world was able to see the horror that had been the Nazi deathcamps. One of those in Europe fighting fascism was a gay man named Jose Sarria. He returned home to San Francisco and fought to create the lgbtq+ community of today. Never forget!
On behalf of the Jose Sarria Foundation we wish you a very Happy Holidays. Jose used to say to all new monarchs as she was crowning them. "You don't have to love each other, but you do have to work together"- Jose Julio Sarria. Photo at Boston Coronation 2009 as Jose presides over the crowning.
December 24, 2024 at 5:00 PM
On behalf of the Jose Sarria Foundation we wish you a very Happy Holidays. Jose used to say to all new monarchs as she was crowning them. "You don't have to love each other, but you do have to work together"- Jose Julio Sarria. Photo at Boston Coronation 2009 as Jose presides over the crowning.
Jose Sarria was celebrated this weekend in Palm Springs, CA at the third annual Sparkle Gala. Supporters came from all over the US to share some love for Empress 1 Jose, The Widow Norton. For more info josesarria.org
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
December 17, 2024 at 4:44 AM
Jose Sarria was celebrated this weekend in Palm Springs, CA at the third annual Sparkle Gala. Supporters came from all over the US to share some love for Empress 1 Jose, The Widow Norton. For more info josesarria.org
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
Happy Birthday Mama Jose! Aa photo from the stepdown of Sheba and TJ on February 15, 2000, shows Empresses of SF. Before Stonewall, Before Harvey Milk, There was Jose! Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
December 12, 2024 at 3:36 PM
Happy Birthday Mama Jose! Aa photo from the stepdown of Sheba and TJ on February 15, 2000, shows Empresses of SF. Before Stonewall, Before Harvey Milk, There was Jose! Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
For the love of Mama Jose...
For the love of Mama Jose...
Appears to be from Jose's reign as Empress 1 where he shows the fun and camp side of his. Photo from the Jose Sarria Papers (GLBT Historical Society) Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 11, 2024 at 3:57 PM
Appears to be from Jose's reign as Empress 1 where he shows the fun and camp side of his. Photo from the Jose Sarria Papers (GLBT Historical Society) Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
On 9-26-65 Jose protesting at SF Grace Cathedral the Church's decision to censure Rev. Robert Cromey, a straight preacher who fought for equality for gays. Jose's funeral was in this cathedral in 2013. Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM
On 9-26-65 Jose protesting at SF Grace Cathedral the Church's decision to censure Rev. Robert Cromey, a straight preacher who fought for equality for gays. Jose's funeral was in this cathedral in 2013. Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
Most often we see Jose in his role of the Widow Norton or political activist, but he was also a talented entertainer. Jose with Tommi Rose at the Blue Muse in San Francisco in 1992. "It was a blast!" Tommi Rose Celebrate Jose in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 8, 2024 at 4:01 PM
Most often we see Jose in his role of the Widow Norton or political activist, but he was also a talented entertainer. Jose with Tommi Rose at the Blue Muse in San Francisco in 1992. "It was a blast!" Tommi Rose Celebrate Jose in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
What lessons can we learn from Jose's battles of the 1940s-1960s for relevant today? This is a discussion of the film Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria, by Joe Castel. Join us in Palm Springs, CA on Dec 12 for a screening of the film on his birthday. Info at josesarria.org/sparkle
Jose Sarria Film: Nelly Queen Discussion
YouTube video by Jose Sarria Foundation
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2024 at 3:45 AM
What lessons can we learn from Jose's battles of the 1940s-1960s for relevant today? This is a discussion of the film Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria, by Joe Castel. Join us in Palm Springs, CA on Dec 12 for a screening of the film on his birthday. Info at josesarria.org/sparkle
84 years ago today Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec 7, 1941 and Jose felt called to duty. He served in Europe and was in Berlin for its fall. This photo of Jose was taken in 1947 back in San Francisco.
Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 7, 2024 at 4:18 PM
84 years ago today Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec 7, 1941 and Jose felt called to duty. He served in Europe and was in Berlin for its fall. This photo of Jose was taken in 1947 back in San Francisco.
Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
Every February since 1977 Jose leads a parade of celebrants up the hill at Woodlawn Cemetery to Emperor Norton's grave with flag bearers and a marching band. Photo by Gene Brake on 2-26-1995 Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 6, 2024 at 4:32 PM
Every February since 1977 Jose leads a parade of celebrants up the hill at Woodlawn Cemetery to Emperor Norton's grave with flag bearers and a marching band. Photo by Gene Brake on 2-26-1995 Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
Jose leads the first pilgrimage to Emperor Norton's grave on 9-11-1977. (LtoR) Jim Ostlund, Jane Doe; Jose Sarria, Hector, Melvina, Bob Cramer, Frieda and Chuck Bayless, photo by George Clark, Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle
December 5, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Jose leads the first pilgrimage to Emperor Norton's grave on 9-11-1977. (LtoR) Jim Ostlund, Jane Doe; Jose Sarria, Hector, Melvina, Bob Cramer, Frieda and Chuck Bayless, photo by George Clark, Join us in Palm Springs Dec 12-15 to celebrate Jose at the Sparkle Gala: josesarria.org/sparkle