She did it all

Words like icon and trailblazer are often tossed about and almost seem to lose their meaning, but Felicia Elizondo truly was those things, and Felicia Elizondo did it all. She was a drag performer, a phone operator, a nurse's aide, a clerk, a receptionist, a sex worker, and many other things. I think the thing I will remember her most though is her activism.

I have written about her here before, the last time though was the hardest. Last month, Felicia passed away, and I wanted to be sure people knew of her. Felicia said she was a Mexican-American “sissy” back in 1950s Texas, a “hair fairy” in 1960s San Francisco, and finally a transsexual woman from the 1970s forward.  Hair fairy:  I never heard anyone else ever use that term.  Oh and the stories she could tell.  She called herself a survivor, and indeed she was.  Nobody should have to endure so many hurdles, but Felicia did and it made her stronger.

She was involved in so many projects in the years that I knew her, including the TransMarch in San Francisco, held every year at the start of Pride Weekend. I think though she was most proud of was getting the 100 block of Turk Street in San Francisco renamed Vicki Mar Lane in honor of drag performer Vicki Marlane, with whom she'd been friends.  Felicia worked with local government and stayed with the project until it happened.  Oh and the smile on her face the day of the unveiling was priceless.  

I remember her appearance on the old Phil Donohue show and I remember our lunches at the Olive Garden.  I remember the fundraisers and her speeches on the steps of San Francisco City Hall.  Many called her Felicia Flames, which seems particularly appropriate now, because I know her flame will burn forever.  Thanks Felicia for paving the way.

Hate Is A Virus

All through May we have been observing Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and there are so many important stories to tell. I wanted to end the month though by mentioning again the very talented Jason Chu because he is not only a wonderful performer, but also an activist and he is really making a difference.

As we recognize Asian American heritage, we are reminded of the pain, history, and the service Asian American have made here in the US. There are some incredible stories. Listen to them. Here about the pain and about the hate too, but don't let it continue. 

In the past year, so many hate crimes have been committed against Asian Americans. Many are shocked. It sadly isn't new though. I have seen that kind of hate and prejudice all my life. We need to make it stop. While we endure the COVID-19 virus and all the changes it has brought, we need to realize that hate is a virus too.

Jason Chu is part of a team with that name, Hate Is A Virus. They are doing great things. Go to their website at https://hateisavirus.org/ and learn about them and see how you can help.

That organization, and of course his music, are just some of the ways Jason is making this world of ours a better place. He does so much more though. The big thing is he communicates, and not just through his music. He tells the Asian American story or at least HIS Asian American story. Please listen. From knowledge can come real change.

I'd like you to also discover Jason's music. Check out recently released Face Value (which he recorded with Alan Z).  You can find him at jasonchumusic on all platforms and his website is simply jasonchumusic.com   Thanks Jason for inspiring and for truly making a difference!

Yes we can

Can we stop the anti-Asian hate?  Of course we can!  Can we wipe out COVID-19 or HIV or cancer.  Yup.  Can we stop police violence?  Can we save the planet from climate change?  Can we see an end to homophobia and transphobia?  Yes, yes, and yes.  

Do we want to make the world a better place though?  Do we care enough about others?  Are we willing to get involved?  The answer to those questions needs to also be yes, or it just isn't going to happen.  It's not up to President Biden or the Congress.  It isn't up to the state or the city we live in.  It's up to us - ALL of us.  We CAN do it.  Yes, we can!

Now this may sound pretty simple, and in the past some readers here have suggested that I am not looking at reality.  Some point out that this is the real world, not a fairy tale.  I know that.  I have also seen what happens when people come together for good.  When people care about each other there can be some pretty amazing results.  Think about it.  I'm serious.  We need to make things better, not only for ourselves, but for our children and for future generations.

Think about that today.  Where can you put some of your time and your talent and yes, even you money?  As you make plans, involve others too.  Talk to your coworkers and your neighbors and your family.  We can make this a better world, so let's do it!

Renew our commitment to inclusion

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, originally known as the International Day Against Homophobia. May 17 was chosen for this annual observance to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision, in 1990, to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. In 2009, transphobia was added to the name of the campaign and biphobia was added to the name of the campaign in 2015.

The main purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination toward LGBTQ communities around the world. This is a day for us all to renew our commitment to inclusion and against all forms of discrimination towards LGBTQ people. Everyone - every single person should be able to feel included, respected, valued, and wanted.

This day is observed in over 130 countries around the globe and although there are differing programs, millions of people are united in support of the recognition of human rights for everyone. 

Just a few minutes ago, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted "Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia have no place in our country. That’s true today, and every day - and it’s up to each and every one of us to make sure everyone can live freely and openly, regardless of who they love or how they identify."  Mr Trudeau is correct of course, and hate and discrimination has no place anywhere in the world.

So, what will you do today in support of justice and equality? We all must continue to speak up and demand better not just today, but every day. The world belongs to us all.

Farewell to a Trailblazer

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do, but saying goodbye to a friend who is also a legend, an icon, and a trailblazer, is even harder. Yesterday the mortal life of Felicia "Flames" Elizondo came to it's close.  I am sad.  It has been almost two years since I last saw her and the selfish part of me wanted so much to see her again.

She described herself as a Mexican-American “sissy” in 1950s Texas, a “hair fairy” in 1960s San Francisco, and finally as a transsexual woman from the 1970s forward. ("Transsexual" is the word she always used.  She would tell of her military service, of the Compton Cafeteria riots, of all the hate and discrimination she endured, and she often used the word "survivor."  She was indeed that, but she was also one-of-a-kind.  

Felicia was a walking history book. She loved to entertain and I will always remember her wonderful shows. I'll remember our lunches together too and the vast number of people she associated with. I'll remember all those Trans Marches and all the fundraisers and all the speeches on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. She made panels for the AIDS Memorial Quilt, worked for several different non-profits, and campaigned for causes she strongly believed in. 

One cause which was dear to her heart was getting the 100 block of Turk Street, San Francisco renamed Vicki Mar Lane in honor of drag performer Vicki Marlane, with whom she'd been friends.  That year she was on the Trans March Cable Car, and it all ended with the street sign unveiling.  I'll never forget the smile on her face that evening!  Now we need to get to work and name a street after Felicia!

Yesterday was sad when news came that Felicia Elizondo had passed, but it is comforting to know that many friends were able to visit her in the last few days and that Felicia wasn't alone.  It's also comforting to me to see the numerous obituaries and so many remembering her on social media.  

In just about an hour, I will be participating in my 33rd AIDS Walk San Francisco, and I have decided that this year, my participation will be in memory of dear Felicia Flames who was diagnosed as HIV positive way back in 1987.  I'm so glad she came our way!

one little word

Really want to make a difference?  Make sure this word is part of your vocabulary:  thanks.  It's pretty simple - when someone does something for you, however big or small, say thanks!  When people say it to me, it really makes my day.

 

During the course of the week I do various volunteer efforts and I really enjoy giving of my time and hopefully helping the life of other people.  I don't have any great expectations of something coming my way as a result of what I do, but you know what?  I get something often - a thank you!

 

Wow!  It's really hard to describe, but when someone indicates that they appreciate what you just said or what you just did, that is a pretty special feeling.  I'm going to try to be more conscious of saying it myself. 

More gun violence

Over the weekend there was more gun violence - a lot more. It seems like it's happening more and more. I asked (on social media) "When will we start doing something about it?" A reply came: "How are you gonna make it stop. Do you really think you can change human nature of violence with a policy?"  I've heard the "criminals will always find a way" argument for years, but does that mean we should do nothing?

Three people in New York City were wounded - three people who happened to be near each other but didn't know each other.  All will survive, but this weekend will be one they will never forget, and for all of the wrong reasons.  One of the three was a four-year-old girl.

Victims in other parts of the country were not all as lucky.  Several of the shootings resulted in fatalities.  I can keep writing about these mass shootings here, but does anyone actually read these words?  "Oh bullets took more lives.  Nope.  I'm not going to read this one."  I can picture you mentally turning off because it's just more of the same.  Meanwhile I keep insisting that we have to do something.  

No, I don't have the answer.  I do know that human life is precious and that nobody's life should end this way.  I also know that we are intelligent and if we care, we can find an answer.  The significant thing here though is caring.  It seems to me that nobody cares anymore.  Please tell me I am wrong.  Please tell me that YOU care.