In the heart of San Francisco’s Castro district, the Strut Wellness Center’s second floor is vibrant with life.
Artists make their voices heard through large block prints celebrating LGBTQ identities, showcasing a spectrum of creativity and resilience.
Among the emerging talents is Jojo Ty, a 25-year-old artist whose work is prominently featured in the Queer Ancestors Project.
Jojo expresses a deep connection to their heritage and the struggles faced by trans individuals throughout history, particularly focusing on those from the Philippines.
For Jojo, their journey of connecting with their body and identity has been transformative.
They reflect on the significance of their ancestors, particularly the Babaylans, shamans of pre-colonial Philippines, who were revered for their spiritual leadership.
The impact of colonization, Jojo explains, altered the perception of trans individuals, leading to a long struggle against misunderstanding and discrimination.
Through their art, Jojo represents both Indigenous Filipino culture and contemporary Bay Area trans figures, affirming a shared legacy of strength and resilience.
“It’s crazy that the magic we hold is often extinguished by fear, yet we continue to embody that spirit,” Jojo shares, revealing how community support has been crucial in their journey of self-acceptance.
Jojo’s experience resonates deeply with those of previous trans generations, particularly with Honey Mahogany, a pioneering figure in the San Francisco trans community.
Honey, just a generation older than Jojo, recalls a time when trans spaces were fewer and farther between.
For her, connections blossomed in bars and drag shows, where she found an avenue of self-exploration.
Honey’s personal journey began with unexpected challenges when her parents discovered her performing in drag, prompting her to spend a year with her grandmother in Ethiopia.
Upon returning for graduate school, she embraced the drag scene fully.
Mesmerized by a live performer, Honey felt an awakening—a realization that drag could be a medium for her authentic self-expression.
“Honey was probably where I felt most myself,” she reflects.
Her drag persona allowed her to navigate her identity and present herself in a way that aligned with her inner truth.
Today, Honey holds an influential position as the head of the only Office of Trans Initiative in the country.
In her role, she is dedicated to amplifying trans stories and advocating for the rights and recognition of trans individuals.
Another pillar of support for both Jojo and Honey is the legendary Donna Personna, a matriarch in the trans community whose experiences have shaped the pathway for many.
At 78 years old, Donna emerges as a source of wisdom and empowerment.
Growing up in a large Latino family in San Jose during the 1960s, Donna found her place in the burgeoning trans community by regularly taking Greyhound buses to San Francisco.
She frequented Compton’s Cafeteria, where she observed and learned from the resilient trans women who gathered there.
Though she wasn’t present during the famous Compton’s Cafeteria riots of 1966, Donna’s experiences there underscored the harsh realities faced by trans individuals, particularly assaults and police brutality.
She witnessed the struggles and fears of those who were openly trans, which deeply influenced her own identity journey.
Despite embracing her identity later in life, Donna vividly recalls the internal battles she faced.
“Inside I was always a girl. I donned a dress and I never got out of it,” she shares with a laugh.
Donna’s commitment to sharing her story is rooted in a desire to educate and inspire younger generations.
She actively participates in initiatives like the annual Trans March Intergenerational Brunch, where she encourages attendees to engage with older members of the community as mentors and supporters.
Through her activism, Donna emphasizes the importance of learning from history and keeping the connection alive between generations.
“We become a family,” she says, highlighting the bonds formed through shared experiences and struggles.
For Jojo, Honey, and Donna, their journeys are interwoven in a rich tapestry of resilience, creativity, and community.
Together, they exemplify the evolution of the trans experience in the Bay Area—a legacy that builds on the hardships and triumphs of those who came before.
Jojo reflects on their role in this ongoing narrative, contemplating what it means to be viewed as a future ancestor.
Their commitment to leaving a positive impact is profoundly evident in their art and activism.
“How do I want to be seen? What messages do I want to leave?” Jojo wonders, encapsulating the essence of community continuity.
Their collective story underscores a vital message: Trans leadership, resilience, and the importance of community should always remain at the forefront of the conversation.
As they navigate their paths, the interconnectedness of their experiences ensures that the legacy of trans individuals in the Bay Area continues to thrive.
image source from：kalw
