The inaugural Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award was presented to Bliss Vasquez, a 27-year-old leader in the transgender and nonbinary community, during the San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall rally held on July 14, 2023. This new award honors the legacy of Julia Legaspi, a prominent figure in the San Diego LGBTQ+ community who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 71.
Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy
The award is named after Legaspi, a proud Filipina transgender immigrant and a trailblazer who dedicated decades to advocacy and community service. Legaspi made history as the first transgender individual appointed to public office in San Diego and was only the third in the United States to do so. Known for her work with various nonprofits and her role on human rights commissions, she left an indelible mark on the community.
Vasquez currently leads the transgender and nonbinary service program at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Outside of this role, they founded the Gender Enders Meet (GEM), an online platform established in 2021 that provides a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who may feel isolated due to geographical or health-related barriers.
Vasquez expressed their commitment to the community, stating, “[Fighting transphobia is] an uphill battle, but… I feel fueled by the joys that I get to experience, and living my most authentic self and being with other transgender, queer people.” This sentiment echoes the supportive spirit that Legaspi embodied throughout her life.
Challenges Facing the Transgender Community
Despite being younger than Legaspi, Vasquez shares similar qualities, including a deep sense of spirituality and kindness. They are determined to serve others quietly while making significant contributions. Reflecting on the discrimination faced by transgender individuals, Vasquez highlighted housing instability as a critical issue, along with the pervasive mistreatment of trans people in various aspects of life.
“We need people’s attitudes towards trans people to get better and their attitude just towards difference period needs to improve,” Vasquez remarked. Their experiences as a former frontline caseworker have provided insight into the challenges many face. “People applying for jobs or going in person to apply for an apartment [are] getting turned away as soon as they get looked upon. That is so disgusting and ridiculous,” Vasquez added.
Growing up in Southeast San Diego, Vasquez believed that the only options for queer individuals were to live in Hillcrest, perform as drag artists, or face homelessness. A transformative encounter with a queer librarian during high school opened new possibilities for them, illustrating the importance of representation and support in shaping lives.
Vasquez’s journey has not been without obstacles, including difficulties in securing job interviews and facing transphobia in the workplace. They recounted a moment when a local nonprofit’s CEO suggested that if they could not adapt to being misgendered, they should seek employment elsewhere. Such experiences highlight the ongoing struggles many transgender individuals encounter, regardless of their achievements.
Despite facing emotional and economic challenges, Vasquez continues to advocate for their community through practical initiatives and by fostering connections. “I feel grateful just to be alive in that moment, because I know that so many of our trans [people] don’t get to have that moment or that there are just people out there who don’t want us to have joy, who want to see us dead,” Vasquez stated. “That hate fuels me … I’m living out of spite.”
The recognition of Vasquez through the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award serves as a reminder of the vital work being done within the community and the ongoing need for support, understanding, and advocacy. As they continue to inspire others, both Legaspi’s and Vasquez’s stories underline the importance of resilience and the pursuit of joy in the face of adversity.
