Queer Notes: Trans March

Reporter and Publisher Pat Murphy from the SF Sentinel gave a great report on the Trans March early this morning.

Here is his report:
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SECOND ANNUAL TRANS MARCH TRIPLES IN SIZE OVER LAST YEAR
Elected officials commit to health, housing, employment equality
Photos to follow

Saturday, June 25, 2005
San Francisco yesterday led the world in securing visibility, and pledged justice, for the transgendered community.

Gathered in Dolores Park from 3:00 p.m., crowd appeared to triple over last year's first march, estimated then at 800 to 1,000 persons.

Assemblyman Mark Leno and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris kicked off the 7:00 p.m. march, citing solidarity with the long neglected, and abused, community.

"We are holding Gwen in our hearts tonight," Leno proclaimed, referring to slain transgender Gwen Araujo.

As his first legislative action when elected to the California Assembly, Leno advanced successful state legislation prohibiting discrimination against transgenders in employment, health care, and housing.

More needs to be done, echoed Harris.

"We have fallen far short in terms of what we need to do for this community," Harris stated.

"I assure you it is a priority of the District Attorney's Office for the trans community to receive the dignity and respect it deserves," added Harris.

At march conclusion in Civic Center, City Treasurer Jose Cisneros, and San Francisco Supervisors Bevan Dufty, Ross Mirkarimi and Chris Daly promised city support.

Pat is right to note that a bunch of politicians came. Last year I believe it was only Assemblymember Leno and Sup Dufty. Some might even think that we have arrived since so many politicians came out to support us. Probably not though. We have a very, very long journey on the road to justice and equality.

Many, many friends and allies came out too. I know I am corny, but it gets you in the gut when your non-transgender friends and allies show up like that. I really, really am a lucky guy.

Kamala was simply great. Her remarks were right on. And as someone who was arrested during a political protest several years ago and sat in jail for two days, I'm glad to know that future arrested trannies will have a more humane and just District Attorney at the helm.

Kamala's pride t-shirt says, "She is a woman with convictions." Very clever. Very true.

Assemblymember Leno was great too. He recounted some of our legislative victories over the last five years, talked about building a movement, and how we need to support our coalition partners in labor, like supporting the UFW boycott of Gallo and the Local 2 boycott of the hotels. He really connected the dots between multiple issues and saw the greater picture.




Main Stage at Dolores Park


Trans Pride Organizer Sam Davis on the right with baseball cap


District Attorney Kamala Harris and Assemblyman Mark Leno


Trans March on Market Street


Treasurer Jose Cisneros, Supervisors Dufty and Ma


Trans March arriving at Civic Center Plaza


My transgender sisters and heroes, Cecilia Chung, and Theresa Sparks