Last year, California became the first state to officially observe transgender history month after state lawmakers voted in favor of it. The move was made possible, in part, due to the advocacy efforts of an activist from the Bay Area.
Throughout her life, Jupiter Peraza has held a deep fascination for history, although not necessarily the type found in textbooks.
According to her, a significant portion of trans history is comprised of oral history that has been transmitted within our community.
Peraza, a trans activist, successfully lobbied the City of San Francisco three years ago to officially recognize August as transgender history month.
Several years ago, filmmaker Susan Stryker discovered a reference to an overlooked event at the GLBT Historical Society Archives. In August 1966, a group of trans women and drag queens in San Francisco bravely stood up to police harassment at Compton’s Cafeteria in the Tenderloin, three years prior to the renowned Stonewall Uprising in New York City.
She stated that the police had erased all the records, leaving them clueless about the exact day of the incident and the number of individuals who were arrested.
Peraza and her fellow activists were motivated by the discovery of an unprecedented moment, which highlighted the lack of knowledge about trans history. They embarked on a crusade for recognition that lasted several years.
According to her, trans people played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of San Francisco as we know it today. “The city owes a debt of gratitude to the tireless advocacy efforts of trans individuals,” she stated.
California has recently made history by becoming the first state in the United States to acknowledge and celebrate Transgender History Month. This incredible feat was made possible due to a local initiative that was put forth in the state on Monday.
Peraza and the community he represents scored a major victory, which was celebrated at City Hall with none other than Mayor London Breed. The win is especially significant as the community has been facing mounting attacks in recent times.
Although mainly symbolic, these declarations do have a significant impact.
According to Orion Rummler, a transgender journalist based in Washington D.C., months designated for specific causes tend to catch the eye of reporters.
He stated that dedicating a whole month to trans history would encourage more individuals to reflect on the fact that trans individuals have always been a significant part of this nation.
Peraza couldn’t have imagined the future she now has when she was younger.
She expressed her disbelief at the fact that she played a part in the creation of Transgender History Month, a momentous and iconic event. “I never could have imagined that I would be involved in something so significant,” she remarked.
According to Peraza, her ultimate goal is to gain recognition for Trans History Month across all 50 states.
