Jazzie Collins facts for kids

Jazzie Collins (born September 24, 1958 – died July 11, 2013) was an important African American activist and community leader. She worked hard to improve the lives of many people in San Francisco, California. Jazzie fought for the rights of transgender people, people with disabilities, and for economic fairness. Her work helped many minority communities for over ten years.

About Jazzie Collins

Jazzie Collins was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 24, 1958. She completed a program called Job Corps, which helps young people learn skills. After that, she worked in construction and also as a hospital orderly.

In 1988, Jazzie moved to San Francisco. A few years later, when she was in her late 40s, she began living as a woman.

Fighting for Rights

Jazzie Collins was very active in San Francisco, working on many important issues. She helped people with their housing rights, fought for fair treatment for workers, and supported transgender rights. She also worked on issues related to aging and health.

Her activism truly began in 2002. One of her first big actions was challenging building plans at the Plaza Hotel.

Jazzie held important leadership roles. She was the vice chair of San Francisco's LGBT Aging Policy Taskforce. She also served as vice chair of the Lesbian Gay Transgender Senior Disabled Housing Task Force. These groups worked to help older LGBT people and those with disabilities.

She was a community organizer for Senior and Disability Action. This group helps protect the rights of older adults and people with disabilities. Jazzie also ran a food pantry called the "6th Street Agenda." She was a founder of Queers for Economic Equality Now (QUEEN). This group worked for economic fairness for queer people.

In 2003, Jazzie was part of the Prop L Committee. This committee successfully worked to raise the minimum wage in San Francisco. A minimum wage is the lowest amount of money an employer can pay workers. Jazzie also helped organize tenants (people who rent homes) for the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.

For five years, Jazzie Collins was on the board of directors for the San Francisco Trans March. This is an annual event that includes a gathering and a protest march for transgender rights.

Jazzie's Legacy

In June 2013, Jazzie Collins was honored by lawmakers in California. The state's Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus recognized her advocacy work. They praised her efforts for justice and equality.

Jazzie Collins passed away in San Francisco on July 11, 2013. Senior and Disability Action, one of the groups she worked with, remembered her as "fearless, inspiring, loving," and a "beloved fighter."

In 2015, the first homeless shelter in the United States for adult LGBT people opened. It was named Jazzie's Place in her honor. This shelter is in San Francisco's Mission District. It is run by Dolores Street Community Services. Jazzie's Place provides a safe place for homeless LGBT people, who often face more danger and abuse.