Some of my fondest, least blurriest memories of Pride celebrations past have been of drag goddess Juanita More’s annual Pride party—especially when the proceedings would be interrupted by an adorable high school marching band, followed by high-kicking drag routines. At least, I’m pretty sure that happened; at those wild shindigs, anything could take place, really.
Ms. More always pulls in the top talent on Pride Sunday at 620 Jones, SF, providing refuge from the parade with fashionable shenanigans, dancing to international queer DJ sweethearts, and a good strong drink or five. But the party, which has now run for three decades, far before I was born, is also an incredible fundraiser for community services, raising more than $1 million for local charities and bringing awareness to vital queer organizations.
In this dark time of attacks on and erasure of trans people by the Trump administration, it’s necessary to grab onto any ray of hope and light. So I was stoked to see that Juanita has chosen the incredible Transgender Law Center, aka TLC, as this year’s Pride party beneficiary. (Tickets will be released for the Juanita More! Pride Party at 620 Jones on May 1—check her site—but you can support TLC at any time. 48 Hills is a proud sponsor of the party.)
Juanita has chosen TLC before—back in 2009, when the party was a renegade-feeling takeover of the Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin. “When I heard about the great work the Transgender Law Center was doing, especially its direct legal expertise, strategies to keep transgender and gender-nonconforming people alive and thriving, and the committed fight for liberation, I knew that I had to support them,” Juanita told me. ‘So, in 2009, I named TLC my annual Pride party beneficiary.
“The current state of the US government regarding transgender individuals is distressing,” Ms. More continued. “The growing movement against transgender rights nationwide made me choose the Transgender Law Center as this year’s beneficiary.”
Showering rainbow love down on TLC at the party and beyond is one way to support trans liberation and equality, But there are other steps we can take as well. I reached out to TLC Executive Director Shelby Chestnut to ask about how the community is feeling right now, how TLC has long prepared for this fight, and what allies can do to help.
48 HILLS Hi Shelby. Obviously we are going through a terrible time. I’ve heard that you are getting a huge influx of calls since the election and the Executive Orders against trans people. How are you feeling about it all right now?
SHELBY CHESTNUT Everyone’s feeling overwhelmed right now, which makes a lot of sense. This onslaught of Executive Orders and actions is intended to create fear and confusion, but we won’t let it. We recognize this chaos by design from the first time around, and we are ready. Lawyers, advocates, and organizers across the country are working hard to assess the impact of these federal actions and let our communities know what they mean. It may take time but be assured that this work is happening. TLC’s Legal services help desk has received over 700 inquiries since the election, up from 200 previous years.
48 HILLS What are a couple examples of the advice and help has TLC been giving to transgender people who are weathering this storm?
SHELBY CHESTNUT As we, and so many others, have been working through Trump’s cruelty, some of the best advice we have been giving to people is not to panic, to breathe, to remember their agency, community, and power as trans people. TLC has been and will continue publishing Executive Order explainers to social media to break down what this might mean for our communities in plain language. Another important thing you can do right now is map out your local resources, connect with trusted organizations, tap into mutual aid networks and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if needed.
48 HILLS What are some ways that allies can help?
SHELBY CHESTNUT Change happens when we all show up in the ways that we can. Our friends over at the Building Movement Project have a valuable, useful framework called the Social Change Ecosystem. As an ally or a community member, you can find your place, know your role, and act in a way that sustains you and is sustainable over the long run. We don’t all have to do everything. Every role matters, and every effort counts.
For more info, see www.juanitamore.com
