The Transgender Law Center anniversary party at Asia SF. Honorees Yosenio Lewis from the SF AIDS office, Police Commission President Theresa Sparks, and Castro For All’s John Newsome. Photo by Rink.

2Transgender Law Center held its 6th anniversary event, “Transitioning California: EqualiTy, UniTy & JusTice at AsiaSF.” The event honored heroes and trailblazers that are expanding civil rights for the transgender community every day - vanguards like Yosenio Lewis; partners like the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, TGI Justice Project, And Castro for All, and National Center for Transgender Equality; and allies like Kirkland & Ellis, Dolan Law Firm, and Ora Prochovnick, Esq. The fundraiser was a great way to celebrate the victories of the trans movement and to look forward to the work ahead. Through six years of direct legal services, policy advocacy, and education efforts throughout California, TLC has helped change the landscape for the transgender community. Thanks to incredible partnerships and the support of hundreds of activists, allies, and donors, TLC is making a difference. This was a night for celebrating the progress of the transgender civil rights movement and supporting this work for the years to come.

Mistress of Ceremonies Theresa Sparks introduced Assemblyman Mark Leno, who has fought to put transgender rights into law. He spoke of TLC’s purpose, saying, “Putting protective statutes in the book is one thing; but making sure they are enforced is another, and we know the challenges facing our transgender sisters and brothers are enormous in employment, access to healthcare, education, and housing.” He added, “And of course we have to defeat in a significant fashion Proposition 8 as well.” He concluded, “We must assure every human being is treated with respect, dignity, and validation. That’s what we’re fighting for in TLC.”

“TLC does important work, and we saw how the exclusion of transgenders from the equity act was unforgivable, criminal, and will never happen again; and a lot of that has to do with your effort, your political will, and your heart,” said Supervisor Tom Ammiano. “Transgender issues cannot be trivialized. We will never give up!”

“We have had some real legislative accomplishments on behalf of the transgender community this year, and I’m particularly proud of the work the Board of Supervisors did to preserve the trans program that is now being operated by API Wellness,” said Supervisor Bevan Dufty. “We’ve had some challenges, and we’ve had a great year for the workforce collaborative.” He said, “Hopefully after this election we will change the world and bring everything where we want to go.” Dufty promised next year for TLC he would perform on the AsiaSF stage in his drag persona, Not So L’il Kim. He dared me to print that, so I did!

Sparks spoke about TLC as a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities, working with staff and volunteers every day to “transition California” by helping almost 1,000 transgender people and allies access quality legal advice and counsel; increasing acceptance and enforcement of laws and policies that support transgender communities and changing laws and systems that fail to incorporate the needs and experiences of transgender people. “Of course, changing our laws, policies, and culture takes time and many partners,” she said. “That’s why the unity theme is so important.” She added, “Success ultimately depends on working together as a broad community and movement to secure basic rights.”

Sparks introduced the keynote speaker, Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. An out trans-man, Minter was the hero who argued the marriage case before the California Supreme Court, resulting in the historic decision recognizing the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry. He serves on the boards of Equality California and the Transgender Law & Policy Institute, and is one of the country’s foremost experts on transgender law. Minter congratulated all the awardees - including a surprise award to Sparks, president of the SF Police Commission (and serving on the Commission since 2004), member of the Emeritus Board of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, and member of the Board of Directors of the Horizons Foundation. Her many contributions include creating the Transgender Political Caucus and TG Rage; organizing the first Transgender Day of Remembrance; helping establish broader medical benefits for city employees; and named Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly in 2003.

“This is such a defining and hopefully transformational moment now, and whatever happens November 4th is going to say so much about who we are and what is going to be possible for us to achieve,” said Minter. “When we stand together as a unified progressive movement, we are incredibly strong.” He said transgender people understand well that they will never have any secure freedom or dignity as long as same-sex couples are not treated equally under the law. “As a transgender person, I was so proud to argue the marriage case. And I want to ask everyone to join me in doing absolutely everything you can between now and November 4th to defeat that initiative.”

Longtime transgender advocate and volunteer Tita Aida brought out three of her gorgeous Ladies of AsiaSF - Simone, Aliyah, and Naya – who entertained in their usual classy, sassy style, working the top of the bar like the divas they truly are.

TLC Executive Director Masen Davis closed the event, saying, “Too many of us are taken advantage of and discriminated against in so many areas of our lives. TLC advocates for us as a community and as individuals.” He said, “Without their help, many of us are without a voice to stand up to our employers, our insurance companies, the media, and other institutions that do not account for our experiences.” He added, “TLC helps people every day, and they do it on a shoestring. The staff at TLC is hardworking, committed, compassionate, and tough.” Davis concluded, “Let’s make sure we keep free legal services and advocacy available to all members of our community.”