The Castro in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
José Sarria
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2014
1. Jose Sarria Marker
Born in 1923, José's performance career began in the 1950's. In 1961, Sarria ran for San Francisco City Supervisor; the first openly gay candidate to run for office in the United States.
Four years later, Sarria declared himself "Her Imperial Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, José I, the Widow Norton," a reference to the colorful 19th-Century San Franciscan, Joshua Norton, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Sarria's coronation of the International Imperial Court System, a service organization with affiliates across the globe.
This plaque was made possible by the International Imperial Court System, with the support of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society.
Erected by International Imperial Court System.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Government & Politics.
Location. 37° 45.854′ N, 122° 25.934′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in The Castro. Marker is at the intersection of José Sarria Court and Pond Street on José Sarria
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alvin Ailey (within shouting distance of this marker); Gladys Bentley (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvia Rivera (within shouting distance of this marker); Marie Equi (within shouting distance of this marker); Divine (within shouting distance of this marker); Freddie Mercury (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); W.H. Auden (about 300 feet away); Leonard Matlovich (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . . Jose Julio Sarria 1922-2013. In 1961 Jose declared himself a candidate for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Remember that at the time he had to find registered voters to sign the petition allowing him to run, and he was running as an openly gay man! The day before the deadline city officials realized that they had fewer applicants than open positions which would have guaranteed Jose a win. The City bosses kicked into gear and had a near-record 34 candidates on the ballot a day later! Jose ran his campaign from the Black Cat Bar and spent many a speech talking to the gay community about accepting the power they had if
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2014
2. José Sarria Marker - Wide View
The marker is visible here, mounted flush in the sidewalk, just to the right of the utility pole in the left of the picture.
Additional keywords. LGBT LGBTQ
Photographed By International Court System, Unknown
3. José Sarria
Photographed By International Court System, Unknown
4. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, José I, the Widow Norton
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4. submitted on November 4, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
