At Jose Sarria's Funeral

The funeral for Jose Julio Sarria, also known as the Widow Norton, was held yesterday at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral.  Sarria, who was the first openly gay person to ever run for public office in the United States, left instructions for his service:

Female titleholders from his Imperial Court -- the gay organization and charity he started in 1965 -- are requested to wear "black/dark full length (understated) mourning attire, crowns, shoulder length veils covering both crowns and one’s face" along with "black gloves (opera length if wearing short sleeves)." Males titleholders are "respectfully requested to wear dark suits, crowns and white gloves."

More photos from yesterday's service can be found at the Facebook page of photographer Steven Underhill. Sarria was buried in a plot next to Joshua Norton, the eccentric 19th century miner who declared himself Emperor of San Francisco. (Tipped by JMG reader Eric)

UPDATE: JMG reader Steve points out that the San Francisco Chronicle has posted photos too.