OC Imperial Court Fundraiser for Nelly Queen: The Life and Time of Jose Sarria
Nelly Queen: the Life and Times of Jose Sarria is a feature documentary of the first openly gay American to run for public office in 1961. Contact Producer Joe Castel: jcastel@nellyqueenfilm.com
Monday, September 21, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
T-Shirt designed by Emperor Gene Brake | Honor Mama Jose and Support the film Nelly Queen
Honor Mama Jose and Support the film Nelly Queen:The Life and Times of Jose Sarria. Organized by: EmperorGene Brake . All funds raised will go directly to FROM THE HEART PRODUCTIONS INC., the documentary film's fiscal sponsor.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Put Sarria in CA Hall of Fame
Put Sarria in
CA Hall of Fame
Jose Julio Sarria should be inducted into the California Hall of Fame and we all must organize now to make it happen.
It would be a fitting tribute for Sarria, a gay man and drag queen who died in 2013 at the age of 90. He made history in 1961 as the first out gay person to seek elective office in the U.S. His bid for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors was unsuccessful but his public declaration to fight for gay rights paved the way for many LGBT candidates who followed to seek and win elective office, not only in the Golden State, but across the country.
Sarria was also a pioneer in San Francisco's nascent but growing gay community in the 1950s. He created what became known as the Imperial Court System and crowned himself "Her Royal Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, Jose I, The Widow Norton." The title was in homage to Joshua Norton, an eccentric city resident who in 1859 declared himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. But more than just a social club for drag queens, the Imperial Court has raised millions of dollars for charity and helped educate the public about drag culture and LGBT rights. The San Francisco Imperial Council celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and was the first of numerous Imperial courts around the country and the world.
Significantly, Sarria was an inspiration to many LGBTs when it wasn't common for us to be out, much less stand up for ourselves, because we risked losing our jobs, families, and housing and, at worst, faced incarceration. Sarria gave the gay community a voice, and was a source of strength that gave gay people the courage to organize and fight back against anti-gay police discrimination. As lesbian Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), who's serving as the honorary campaign chair for the effort to induct Sarria, told us, he "helped end raids of establishments that catered to LGBT people and helped move our community toward equal treatment under the law."
A portion of a Castro neighborhood street is named after him – Jose Sarria Court – and being included in the California Hall of Fame would be a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The California Hall of Fame was created in 2006 by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his former wife, Maria Shriver. It honors residents of the state who have made lasting contributions to society. Honorees receive the Spirit of California medal, and their accomplishments become part of the permanent record in the California State Archives. Only four of the 93 individuals in the hall are from the lesbian and gay community. While they are all deserving members, we think the Hall of Fame could be more diverse. Among the honorees are the late Harvey Milk, inducted in 2009, and tennis great Billie Jean King, inducted in 2006. Hall of Fame bios of the other two inductees do not explicitly acknowledge their sexuality. The first class of inductees in 2006 included astronaut Sally Ride, who was identified as a lesbian only after her death in 2012, and author Alice Walker, one of whose former lovers was singer Tracy Chapman.
To be considered for the Hall of Fame, nominees are first vetted by the California Museum's board of trustees, which then sends a list of qualified candidates to Governor Jerry Brown, and his wife, Anne Gust Brown, who both ultimately make the decision.
Anyone can nominate candidates for consideration, and this is where Sarria's friends and admirers can have an impact. More nominations increase the chances for the museum's board to take note and move the candidate forward.
A statewide campaign to induct Sarria started earlier this year, and now is the time to get behind this effort because nominees will be considered this summer.
San Diego resident Nicole Murray Ramirez, a former Imperial Court empress who currently holds the title Queen Mother I of the Americas, Canada, United States, and Mexico, is one of the leaders of the Sarria campaign.
"It is not only a salute to the gay community, but choosing him is a salute to the Latino community and a salute to World War II veterans," Ramirez told us back in January when we first reported on her effort.
To nominate Sarria, people can use the online form found at http://www.californiamuseum.org/nomination-form.
Coco LaChine, director of the campaign, requests that anyone who nominates Sarria email her at cocolachine7@gmail.com so she can compile the information.
We can't think of a better Pride gift than to take a few minutes to go online and nominate Sarria. He's made a lasting contribution to the Bay Area – and California – and deserves this honor. Our lives are better today because of him.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Nelly Queen Event presented by O.C. Imperial Court Reign 42 | Sat. 9.19.15 | The Frat House | Garden Grove, CA
Orange County Imperial Court Reign 42
The Court of Service, Love, Unity & Devotion
Empress 42 Monet Clements and ICPR 37 GoGo Rodriguez presents:
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, September 19, 2015
The Frat House
8112 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92844
714-373-FRAT (3728)
Door 4:30 pm
Food 5:00 pm
Show 6:00 pm
Proceeds to benefit the feature documentary film
Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria
Door Donation: $10.00
Performers by Invitation only
For more info, contact:
Emperor 42 Logan Levi (714) 791-9645
Empress 42 Monet Clements (714) 206-8800
ICPR 37 GoGo Rodriguez (714) 310-4467
For more info or to donate to Jose’s documentary,
go to www.Nellyqueenfilm.com
OCIC is a volunteer Non-Profit 501©(3) Organization
Monday, July 6, 2015
Production Commences on Nelly Queen Documentary
Production Commences on Nelly Queen Documentary
by Mario J. Novoa
July 6, 2015
 |
| "Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria", (right to left) Bob Dockendorf and Director Dante Alencastre. |
Last week filmmakers Dante Alencastre and Mario J. Novoa headed to San Francisco to shoot a series of interviews for the upcoming documentary feature, "Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria". At times emotional, memories of Jose Sarria seemed to unfold with every interview as told by the people that knew Jose personally and professionally. Every person interviewed gave us a glimpse into the past and shared insight into the man that spun the San Francisco LGBT community on its head through the 1950s and 60s. The team of filmmakers will be weaving these first account interviews into the film as they work through the editing process in post-production. More photos will be posted up of the various interviews as we update our followers on the filmmaking process of "Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria".
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Friday May 22, 7:30 PM | Free Film Screening: “Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of José Julio Sarria”,
Friday May 22, 2015, 7:30 PM
Free Film Screening: “Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of José Julio Sarria”, Documentary Short.
Co-Produced and Edited by Mario J. Novoa
Directed by Dante Alencastre
Executive Produced by Joe Castel
Free validated parking will be provided for the 5-story Public/Park Parking Structure on El Tovar Pl.
Co-Produced and Edited by Mario J. Novoa
Directed by Dante Alencastre
Executive Produced by Joe Castel
Free validated parking will be provided for the 5-story Public/Park Parking Structure on El Tovar Pl.
On Harvey Milk Day, One City One Pride screens a work-in-progress assembly of a documentary that celebrates the legacy of José Julio Sarria ( Nelly Queen:The Life and Times of Jose Sarria ), the first openly gay person to run for US public office, who many credit with helping pave the way for his friend Harvey Milk’s successful election several years later. This Latino pioneer who also founded the Imperial Court System has long been overlooked as a cornerstone of the LGBTQ rights movement.
The City of West Hollywood became the first city in the US to officially recognize Harvey Milk Day as a holiday this year. A reception will take place at this event with refreshments being served. Followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers and guests. Free admission, donations welcomed. Join the facebook invite at http://bit.ly/wehopride2015.
West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Screening: Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Julio Sarria
Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Julio Sarria
- Date:May 22, 2015 7:00 PM
- Location:West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room
625 N. San Vicente Boulevard
West HollywoodPresented on Harvey Milk Day As as part of the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, this screening of a work-in-progress assembly of an upcoming documentary that celebrates the life of Jose Julio Sarria who was a friend and supporter of Harvey Milk, and helped pave the way for Harvey Milk’s run for Board of Supervisors by being the first openly gay man to run for political office in 1961. The screening will be followed by a Q & A. Admission is free. RSVPs are not required.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Thurs. April 30 7p - San Francisco - Fundraiser for Jose Sarria Documentary hosted by City Supervisor David Campos
City Supervisor David Campos, Filmmaker Dante Alencastre and
the San Francisco GLTB Historical Society
Cordially invite you to attend a Fundraising Reception at the GLBT Museum
to benefit the production of the documentary film
Enjoy some wine and cheese as we celebrate of Jose Sarria's
remarkable life. Help us preserve a place in history for Jose.
The feature-length documentary, Nelly Queen, will celebrate the social, cultural and political legacy of Jose Sarria, Empress I, the Widow Norton.
Nelly Queen reveals an intimate portrait of the civil rights pioneer whose heroic drag has long been overlooked as a cornerstone of the gay rights movement.
All contributions are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Forthcoming documentary to honor early gay pioneer - Echomag.com
Forthcoming documentary to honor early gay pioneer
By David-Elijah Nahmod – April, 23, 2015
Courtesy photo.
As early as the 1950s, Sarria (1922-2013) was out and proud. As a popular drag performer at San Francisco’s The Black Cat, he mentored many young gay men during a time when sitting in a gay bar could get patrons arrested on moral charges.
Sarria went on to become the first openly gay man in the United States to run for public office. His campaign for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors commenced in 1961, more than 15 years before Harvey Milk was elected to the board.
Though he didn’t win the election, he garnered the attention of the press and got more votes than anyone thought he would.
And, when Sarria passed away in 2013, many gay men attributed him as the first person to tell them it was OK to be who they were.
Sarria’s life is now going to be honored and remembered in Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of José Julio Sarria, an upcoming documentary from openly gay filmmaker Dante Alencastre.
Alencastre, a native of Lima, Peru, who currently lives in Los Angeles, spoke to Echo about what the project and Sarria’s legacy mean to him.
“I have always been drawn to storytelling, which began in my college days and continues today,” Alencastre said. “I am especially drawn to people’s stories which are often underrepresented in the media. Nonconformity has been a trademark of my story telling, and I like pushing the boundaries and rattling the cages of the established structures.”
Alencastre also said that he looks for the “defiance, and the resilience” of individuals who are not considered part of the mainstream LGBT communities.
“It’s my goal to preserve and reclaim our queer stories for the present and future generations of gender nonconforming, gender queer and trans youth,” he said.
Alencastre’s film, now in production, will tell the story of Sarria’s life through home movie footage provided by Joe Castel, Sarria’s friend who serves as the film’s executive producer.
In addition to his run for office, the film will recall Sarria’s service during World War II and his lifelong refusal to conform to what was expected of him.
Courtesy photo.
“As a feminine-identified gay man, José’s life teachings and defiant stance inspired me to embrace my feminine ways with pride and to find courage in his life lessons,” Alencastre said.
The filmmaker pointed out that during Sarria’s lifetime, being openly gay was frowned upon not only by mainstream society, but by gay men and lesbians who lived their lives deep in the closet. It was during these times that Sarria proudly labeled himself a nelly queen.
“José is as important today as he was back in 1961 when he ran for office,” Alencastre said. “Nelly Queen is not just an LGBT history lesson, it’s a triumphant story of the human spirit – a hero’s journey of a man fighting unjust laws and uniting a fractured community. José stands as a courageous role model to people still struggling with their sexual identity and self esteem.”
Friday, April 10, 2015
Thank you
Dear Friends,
From the Heart Productions
1455 Mandalay Bay RoadOxnard, CA 93035
(Be sure to note that it’s for the Jose Sarria Project)
Jose Sarria, Empress I, Jose
Dante Alencastre, Director
Joe Castel, Executive Producer
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria
Our funding campaign ends tomorrow, April 10, 2015. Invite your communities and organizations across the country. Join us in recognizing Jose’s immeasurable contributions to the LGBT movement with an overdue biography on the legendary diva and activist. Please tell your friends that their tax deductible contribution is made possible through our fiscal sponsor, From The Heart Productions on IndieGOGO. If you have contributed, we thank you for your generous support and being a part of this historic project!
http://igg.me/at/queenfilm/x/3326297
David Campos On Jose Sarria - The first Gay American to run for office.
Our funding campaign ends tomorrow, April 10, 2015. Invite your communities and organizations across the country. Join us in recognizing Jose’s immeasurable contributions to the LGBT movement with an overdue biography on the legendary diva and activist. Please tell your friends that their tax deductible contribution is made possible through our fiscal sponsor, From The Heart Productions on IndieGOGO. If you have contributed, we thank you for your generous support and being a part of this historic project!
http://igg.me/at/queenfilm/x/3326297
Monday, April 6, 2015
Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza - Empress I Jose Sarria Award for Uncommon Leadership
David Campos On Jose Sarria - The first Gay American to run for office.
Jose Sarria documentary film "Nelly Queen: The Life and Time of Jose Sarria". David Campos On Jose Sarria - The first Gay American to run for office.
Director Dante Alencastre
Executive Producer Joe Castel
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
We’ve extended our campaign
Dear Friends,
We’ve extended our campaign to April 10 in order to invite communities and organizations across the country to be a part of this historic project! Join us in recognizing Jose’s immeasurable contributions to the LGBT movement with an overdue biography on the legendary diva and activist. Please tell your friends that their tax deductible contribution is made possible through our fiscal sponsor, From The Heart Productions.
Thank you for your support. 
Sunday, March 22, 2015
4 Days Left for Our IndieGoGo Funding - Make a Tax Deductible Donation Today!
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Monday, March 16, 2015
Time Is Running Out For "Nelly Queen"
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)