In a momentous recognition for the transgender community, Bliss Vasquez has been named the inaugural recipient of the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award. The announcement was made ahead of the San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall rally, where Vasquez will be honored for their significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
The award is named after the late Julia Legaspi, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 71. A distinguished figure in the San Diego LGBTQ+ community, Legaspi was a Filipina transgender immigrant known for her extensive work with various nonprofits and her service on human rights commissions at both the city and county levels. She made history as the first transgender person appointed to public office in San Diego, and only the third in the United States.
Empowering the Trans Community
At just 27 years old, Vasquez leads the transgender and nonbinary service program at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Their commitment to advocacy extends beyond their professional role; in 2021, they founded Gender Enders Meet (GEM), an online platform designed to connect queer individuals. This initiative particularly benefits those who may feel isolated due to geographical constraints or health issues.
Reflecting on the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender community, Vasquez stated, “
Fighting transphobia is an uphill battle, but I feel fueled by the joys that I get to experience, living my most authentic self and being with other transgender, queer people.
” Their perspective underscores the importance of community and connection in combating discrimination.
Addressing Discrimination and Housing Issues
Vasquez identifies poor treatment and housing insecurity as critical issues confronting the transgender community in San Diego. They emphasize the need for improved societal attitudes towards trans individuals. “We need people’s attitudes towards trans people to get better and their attitude just towards difference period needs to improve,” they remarked.
Having worked as a frontline caseworker, Vasquez has witnessed firsthand the discrimination faced by job seekers and housing applicants. “People applying for jobs or going in person to apply for an apartment get turned away as soon as they are looked upon. That is so disgusting and ridiculous,” they said.
These personal experiences shaped Vasquez’s understanding of the challenges within the community. They recognized that many queer individuals in Southeast San Diego felt limited to specific paths, such as living in Hillcrest, performing in drag, or facing homelessness. A meeting with a queer librarian during high school was pivotal in influencing their career trajectory.
Despite encountering numerous obstacles in their professional journey, including experiences of misgendering, Vasquez remains dedicated to advocating for their community. They believe that even those who achieve recognition still face significant barriers, such as accessing gender-affirming healthcare.
“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,” Vasquez shared. “That hate fuels me… I’m living out of spite.” Their determination reflects a commitment to not only survive but thrive, spreading joy and connection within the community.
As Vasquez prepares to accept the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award, their story serves as a powerful reminder of both the struggles and triumphs of the transgender community. With this recognition, they continue to inspire others and advocate for a more inclusive future.
