Bliss Vasquez, a 27-year-old leader at the San Diego LGBT Community Center, has made history as the first recipient of the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award. The award will be presented during the San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall rally on July 14, 2023. Named after the late Julia Legaspi, a distinguished figure in the San Diego LGBTQ+ community who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 71, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of transgender rights and visibility.
Legaspi was a pioneering Filipina transgender immigrant who dedicated decades to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She served on various nonprofit boards and was a member of the human rights commissions for both the city and county of San Diego. Notably, she became the first transgender person appointed to public office in San Diego and only the third in the United States.
At the San Diego LGBT Community Center, Vasquez directs the transgender and nonbinary service program, focusing on providing essential support and resources. In addition to their work, Vasquez founded Gender Enders Meet (GEM) in 2021, an online community designed to connect queer individuals, particularly those who may feel isolated due to geographic or health-related constraints.
Vasquez expressed their motivation to continue fighting against transphobia, stating, “
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 approach mirrors that of Legaspi, characterized by a quiet yet powerful commitment to advocacy and support.
Despite the challenges faced by the transgender community, including discrimination and inadequate housing, Vasquez remains determined. They highlighted the detrimental effects of societal attitudes on job opportunities for transgender individuals, sharing their experiences as a former frontline caseworker. “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,” Vasquez noted.
Growing up in Southeast San Diego, Vasquez initially believed that the only available paths for queer individuals were to conform to societal expectations or face homelessness. A transformative encounter with a queer librarian during high school inspired them to pursue a different trajectory.
Vasquez’s professional journey has not been without obstacles. They have faced difficulties in securing job interviews, including a discouraging remark from a CEO at a local nonprofit regarding their gender identity. Despite these challenges, they emphasize the importance of joy and community in their work. “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 remarked. “That hate fuels me… I’m living out of spite.”
As the inaugural recipient of the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award, Vasquez embodies the spirit of resilience and advocacy that Legaspi championed throughout her life. The recognition not only highlights their contributions but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community. The award aims to inspire future generations of leaders in the pursuit of equality and acceptance.