SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego has paid tribute to one of its most pioneering voices in civil rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy. On November 19, city leaders unveiled “Julia Legaspi Way” in Mira Mesa, honoring the late Julia Legaspi, a Filipina American transgender activist whose decades of service broke barriers and inspired generations.
Legaspi, who immigrated from Cavite City, Philippines, in 1980, became a fixture in Mira Mesa through her salon, Jhigs’ Hair Studio. For 40 years, the shop was more than a business—it was a community hub where Filipino and Asian American residents gathered, shared stories, and found support. In 1991, Legaspi transitioned, embracing her identity publicly and courageously at a time when transgender visibility was rare. Her journey marked the beginning of a new chapter in advocacy.
First Transgender Appointee to Public Office
She went on to become the first transgender person appointed to public office in San Diego, and only the third nationwide. Her appointments included the San Diego Equal Opportunity and Human Relations Commission, the County Human Relations Commission, and the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force. In these roles, she championed equality, fought discrimination, and worked to dismantle barriers facing marginalized communities. Among her most notable victories was helping repeal San Diego’s anti-cross-dressing ordinance, a law that disproportionately targeted transgender women of color.
Mayor Todd Gloria, who joined community leaders at the street renaming ceremony, described Legaspi as a civic icon. “Choosing to elevate someone who is an immigrant, a transgender history maker and icon, and a decent human being, lets the whole world know how important people like Julia are to communities like ours,” Gloria said. Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents Mira Mesa, emphasized the significance of the tribute for the Filipino and Asian American community. “Julia was a trailblazer for all of them,” he noted.
Celebrating Her Legacy
The ceremony was held on what would have been Legaspi’s birthday, adding poignancy to the occasion. Family members, friends, and longtime clients gathered to celebrate her legacy. Her brother, Noel Legaspi, expressed gratitude for the honor: “I never heard of any individual who was honored the way they did to my beloved sister, Jhigs. It’s unbelievable.”
Legaspi passed away on April 10, 2025, but her impact continues to resonate. For many, she embodied the intersection of immigrant identity, transgender visibility, and civic leadership. Her life demonstrated that representation matters—not only in government but in everyday community spaces. By living authentically and serving tirelessly, she helped pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusion in San Diego.
The Street Sign: More Than a Marker
The renaming of Julia Legaspi Way ensures that her name will remain part of the city’s landscape, a permanent reminder of her contributions. For Mira Mesa’s diverse residents, the street sign is more than a marker—it is a symbol of resilience, justice, and the power of one individual to change the course of civic life.
As San Diego honors Julia Legaspi, her story stands as a testament to courage and community. She leaves behind a legacy that bridges cultures, identities, and generations, reminding all that progress is built on the voices of those who dare to be seen.
