“I own a Jose Sarria artifact”

Our beloved Mama Jose, was a prolific collector of all things he enjoyed and amassed a great deal of GLBT history along the way in the form of photographs, costumes, news articles, etc. Over the course of his life, thousands of items were purchased, many items were gifted to him and innumerable photographs/videos of him exist. Prior to his passing, he arranged for many to be donated to museums, archives and some were gifts to friends. Upon his passing many items were sold to liquidate his estate, raising funds to complete the film of his life, which was his dying wish.

The Jose Sarria Foundation has many items that were donated to us for safekeeping, but we know there are thousands more out there in private collections. We are first seeking to catalog these items to document how they played into Jose’s storied life and determine who owns them. We also seek to photograph them and to make the photos of the items available on our website so everyone can see them and learn of the history behind them.

Additionally, we seek to periodically exhibit these artifacts and will work with museums to display them for special events, regardless of ownership. We realize some are willing to allow the items be displayed with credit to an estate or loved one to whom they were once given by Jose himself. Nearly all want the public to know about the incredible story of Jose’s life and wonderful deeds which can truly be told through these items.