In 1961, when being openly gay could cost you your job, your freedom, or your life, José Sarria ran for public office.

He became the first openly gay candidate in American history.

He was also a World War II veteran. He served his country overseas — then came home to fight for the right to exist openly within it.

He didn’t win that election.

But he changed what was possible.

Because of pioneers like José, leaders such as Harvey Milk and later Pete Buttigieg were able to run — and win — openly.

That history deserves more than a footnote.

Over the past few years, the José Sarria Foundation has hosted powerful pop-up museum exhibits in Palm Springs, featuring rare artifacts, personal belongings, film screenings, and educational events celebrating his legacy and the broader LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

The response has been overwhelming.

But pop-up exhibits are temporary.

Our long term goal is to establish a permanent José Sarria Pride Museum in Palm Springs — a dedicated space to preserve LGBTQ+ history, showcase archival materials, host educational programming, and ensure that future generations understand the courage it took to stand up first.

Funding is the only barrier.

Your contribution will help us:

• Engage in planning towards a permanent museum

• Preserve and professionally archive historical materials

• Design and build immersive exhibits

• Expand community programming and educational outreach

This isn’t just about honoring one man.

It’s about protecting a chapter of American history that is too often ignored, minimized, or erased.

If we don’t preserve this story, it can be rewritten.

If we build it, it becomes permanent.

Whether you can give $25 or $10,000, you are helping turn a temporary exhibit into a lasting institution.

Progress doesn’t preserve itself.

Help us build the José Sarria Pride Museum.

Donate today. Share this campaign. Be part of the legacy.