Street renamed honoring Jose Sarria

By Tamara Barak, Bay City News Service

February 1, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- San Francisco supervisors voted unanimously yesterday afternoon to rename a stretch of 16th Street in the Castro District as "Jose Sarria Court" after the gay rights pioneer and drag entertainer.

Sarria made history with his bid for San Francisco supervisor in 1961, becoming the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the city. He lost, but garnered 5,600 votes.

"He was a great wit and character and a great trailblazer for politicians like Harvey Milk and Tom Ammiano," said Supervisor Bevan Dufty.

The Castro is among the neighborhoods Dufty represents in District 8. The new name will affect the stretch of 16th Street between Pond and Prosper streets.

Supervisor Ammiano called Sarria "the Queen Mother of the LBGT movement."

"He was a charmer and an entertainer," he noted, adding that upon hearing the news of the resolution to name a street for him, Sarria remarked, "They think I'm dead. That's why they're doing this."

About 20 neighbors signed a petition urging supervisors not to change the name.

"I recognize there is a healthy distaste for renaming streets in San Francisco," Dufty said.

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