Evelyn Rios
Candidate Statement, 2009 TGSF Elections
My name is Evelyn Rios and I am seeking to be nominated for the position of Social Co-chair in the Transgender San Francisco Executive Committee.
I have been involved in the transgender community in one form or another since 1994, when I attended a Tri-Ess holiday event in Houston, Texas, while still a college undergrad. Since then, I’ve been involved socially in a variety of organizations that include a trans focus, including Helping TransGenders Anonymous, Gulf Coast Transgender Community, TGSF, Community United Against Violence, LYRIC, and countless internet groups.
In late 2002, I started a business called Adam to Eve Transformations, which provided makeovers, photos, head to toe transformations, guided nights out in San Francisco, personal shopping, and makeup lessons. As part of the launch, I put together a Grand Opening party at Asia SF. The event included an all-trans fashion show (makeup and wardrobe by the Adam to Eve crew and local designers), a photo booth, Djs, and a prize raffle. About 200 people attended, and it was my first experience organizing a large event.
Later I began a series of bi-monthly Friday Night Outings to draw in makeover business and to provide a sense of security for individuals on the trans spectrum who wanted to go out for the first time, but didn’t want to do it alone. These proved to be very popular, and we usually had a group of about a dozen trans people, significant others, friends, family and allies.
In 2009, I sold Adam to Eve to my friend and business partner Randal. Now I am looking to be involved in the transgender community in a more activist role, and I believe that by taking on a leadership position within TGSF I can help make a positive difference.
Here are some of my ideas as Social Co-chair:
Fundraising
I don’t know the specifics of TGSF’s finances, but it appears on the surface to be an organization strapped for cash. TGSF needs a regular series of well-attended fundraising events, perhaps in conjunction with other LGBT organizations, to draw in much-needed funds. Perhaps 3-4 events spread out over the year with performers, fashion shows, or other forms of entertainment. What is/was the Cotillion could be a part of that (see last item).
Community-Building
TGSF can’t go it alone in the world. Any organization is at its strongest when it builds strong ties to other groups. TGSF’s partnership with the Lou Sullivan Society is a good start. As an organization, I believe we should sit down and determine what other strategic ties we can and should develop, and how to strengthen those bonds through joint social events.
Diversity
TGSF needs events that attract a wider spectrum of the trans community. I believe we need to examine our current social events, and re-engineer them so that they attract more people of color, more trans men, more genderqueers, more trans youth, and more trans allies, so that we have the biggest umbrella possible. We can start by reaching out and talking to individuals within these communities and determining their wants and needs when it comes to social events.
Socializing
Social interactions between members is the heart of a strong organization. TGSF needs to hold its meetings and events in places where socializing isn’t a challenge. Part of my job as co-chair would be to find a meeting place that’s not too loud, too expensive, too cramped, or too depressing.
The “C” Word
For some, this final idea will be the most controversial part of my platform. I think it’s time for TGSF to look at scrapping the Cotillion, and replacing it with something else, perhaps a Trans Community Gala. Privately, many of our group’s would-be allies seem embarrassed by the idea that in 2010 we’re still holding pageants to crown a “Miss TGSF”. It seems a throwback to the pre-feminist 1950’s. My idea is to scrap the tired old tradition of winners, losers, a sash and a crown. Instead we hold a formal gala event with food, stage entertainers, and plenty of time for attendees to socialize – the true heart of the event. We can even still give out community awards, and have the “Newcomers Walk” (I propose to get rid of the name “Debutante” in order to make it more attractive to trans guys and male SOFFAs).
Those are my ideas. Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Evelyn Rios