San Francisco recognized the country's first Transgender History Month on Tuesday.
Developed in partnership with the Transgender District and Office of Transgender Initiatives, the signing Tuesday at City Hall launches a month of celebrating the history and cultural milestones of transgender people in San Francisco.
The country's first Transgender History Month honors the 55th anniversary of the Compton's Cafeteria Riots, which occurred in August 1966 in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, marking the beginning of transgender activism in San Francisco. A response to violent and constant police harassment, this incident was one of the first LGBTQ uprisings in the country’s history, preceding the better known 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City.
"I am honored to join the transgender community today to declare August as Transgender History Month in San Francisco," said Mayor London Breed. "Our transgender community has a rich cultural history in this city and is so important to our diverse identity. San Francisco has been and always will be a place where everyone can seek refuge, sanctuary, and safety. Today, we celebrate both our city’s pride and the transgender community."
The Tenderloin is home to The Transgender District, the nation's first legally recognized district dedicated to the transgender, nonbinary, and intersex community. On Aug. 29, the District will be hosting a neighborhood block party, "The Riot Party," featuring food, live music, performances, honoring community members who have advanced trans rights in San Francisco and beyond.
Tuesday’s signing was emceed by community icon Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Also giving remarks was Honey Mahogany, trans activist and chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. The event concluded with the raising of the transgender pride flag over City Hall.
During the event, Breed announced several critical trans and LGBTQ community investments that were included in her recently signed citywide budget, including financial resources, mental health support and anti-violence measures.



