The drag queen who ruled an empire is the latest member of California’s Hall of Fame

One of America’s gay rights pioneering leaders, Jose Julio Sarria, was a proud World War II veteran and the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in North America. After his discharge from the Army, Jose became the most famous “drag queen/female impersonator” entertainer in San Francisco – and an Empress.

And now he’s a member of the California Hall of Fame.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) presided over the ceremony, that also honored luminaries like singer Etta James, actress Carrie Fisher, and actress-turned-ambassador Shirley Temple Black.

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The governor praised Sarria for “revolutionizing the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and paving the way for others like Harvey Milk.” Newsom’s partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, called Sarria a “legendary drag queen who made an indelible mark on California’s LGBTQ community.”

In 1965, Jose declared himself “Empress Jose I, The Widow Norton” after winning a drag queen competition at the Tavern Guild’s “Beaux Arts Ball” and established his own “court.”

Over the years, Sarria took what had been a loose alliance of social groups and developed it into what now is the International Court System of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with associated chapters in over 68 cities across the three nations. It is the oldest LGBTQ+ not-for-profit in America.

Sarria died on August 19, 2013, and activists have been lobbying for his inclusion in the Hall of Fame since his death.

“I am super happy that José has received this recognition. I feel it is very well deserved, but also extremely important for this time we are living in,” Roma, a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, told the Bay Area Reporter. “Right now red states across the country are trying to ban drag and criminalize transgender people and queer people. It is very reassuring to see California make this bold statement. It brings me great joy and pride.”

Sarria had “unshakeable pride in himself and his community,” Newsom noted. And that’s exactly how he ruled his empire – with Pride.