Theresa Sparks on How Local Communities Impact Global LGBTQI Policies

Many times individuals, non-governmental organizations and local government believe their efforts to contribute to the global LGBTQI movement are insignificant and not important when compared to the greater efforts fought on larger, seemingly more impactful stages. But history has shown us that the reverse may actually be true. There are many examples that demonstrate that it's the grassroots, home-grown movements, supported by local advocates that ultimately turn the tide on these universal issues. This point can be illustrated by examining some of the more widely discussed issues in current LGBT culture.

Experiences in SF, and how through the years and months how some of the things that have happened here have impacted national and ultimately international policy. Trans politics has emerged as a big part of the national politics scene.


Theresa Sparks is the Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and as such overseas the City department that administers all non-discrimination ordinances of San Francisco and develops human rights policies for the Mayor, Board of Supervisors and other City leaders. She is the only openly transgender City department head in the history of San Francisco City government.

Ms. Sparks has advocated for LGBTQI people for more than a decade. Currently, some of her projects include addressing the horrendous and dangerous conditions transgender inmates are subject to in our prisons and jails; developing methods to better identify victims of discrimination and violence in mono-lingual transgender communities of color who may also be subject to immigration, housing and employment issues; and, creating sustainable programs for transgender cultural awareness education for all people who visit, live and work in San Francisco.

She has been honored by dozens of national and local organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, Equality California and was selected as one of OUT Magazines OUT 100 LGBT Leaders in the United States and GO! NYC Magazines 100 Women We Love. In 2008, Ms. Sparks was named the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal of the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade. She is an internationally recognized leader in the Human Rights Community and considered a pioneer in the current transgender movement in the United States.

*No one turned away for lack of funds.