_____________________The Artists ___________________ Jose Sarria (1922–2013) was an influeneal LGBTQ+ acevist, drag performer, and the founder of the Imperial Court System, a network of LGBTQ+ charitable organizaeons. Born in San Francisco, Sarria became a trailblazing figure in the early gay rights movement. In 1961, Sarria made history by becoming one of the first openly gay candidates to run for public office in the U.S., running for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Although he did not win, his campaign was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ visibility and poliecal representaeon. Sarria was also a prominent drag performer, known for his performances at the Black Cat Bar in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. His drag persona, "Mama José," became a beloved figure in the local LGBTQ+ community. In 1965, Sarria founded the Imperial Court System, which aimed to raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes through glamorous, drag-oriented events. The organizaeon eventually spread to other ciees and played a significant role in raising awareness and support for HIV/ AIDS inieaeves. Throughout his life, Sarria worked erelessly to combat discriminaeon and promote equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. His legacy conenues to inspire acevism and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
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