José Sarria
Prince Charming + Queen Mother
José Julio Sarria
(December 13, 1922 – August 19, 2013)
American performer, politician, and actvist
José Sarria didn’t just color outside the lines; he performed it. As a soldier, drag queen, activist, and political pioneer, José wore many hats—and often a wig and/or crown.
Born in San Francisco to parents of Mexican and Colombian descent, Sarria grew up with a flair for the dramatic and an unshakable belief that being true to yourself is the key to changing the world.
After serving in World War II (and reportedly charming his way through the military hierarchy), José returned to San Francisco and found a home—and a stage—at the Black Cat Bar. There, in the smoky, lively heart of the city’s queer community, he became a sensation.
Singing arias from Carmen in full drag while blending sharp humor with unapologetic activism, Sarria was more than just entertainment—he was a voice of defiance in an era when queer people were harassed and forced to live in the shadows.
José wasn’t about to hide. Instead, he rallied his audience with what became his signature battle cry: “United we stand, divided they catch us one by one!”
He encouraged queer people to assert their rights, to fight against police harassment, and, above all, to be proud. He even declared himself “Her Royal Majesty, Empress José I, the Widow Norton,” playfully claiming noble lineage while also reminding people that queer history deserved its own royalty.
But José’s legacy wasn’t just fabulous; it was political.
In 1961, he shattered barriers as the first openly gay person to run for public office in the United States, campaigning for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. While he didn’t win, he garnered thousands of votes, proving that the queer community was a political force to be reckoned with.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Sarria went on to found the Imperial Court System in 1965, an organization that combined drag pageantry with community activism. What began as a campy, tongue-in-cheek nod to royalty blossomed into an international network of charitable events, drag balls, and fundraisers, raising millions of dollars for LGBTQ causes.
To this day, the Imperial Court System thrives and unites people through the universal language of glamour, laughter, and giving back.
José Sarria’s life was a bold, bedazzled rebellion against the forces of oppression. He turned every performance, every speech, and every crown he wore into a symbol of empowerment.
In a time when being queer was dangerous, José made it fabulous—and fearless.
His legacy is one of pride, perseverance, and an enduring message: be yourself, love yourself, and when in doubt, add more sparkle.
