'Circle of Change' mural honors 4 Black women contributors to SF's queer culture and history

SAN FRANCISCO -- A newly unveiled mural in San Francisco's Castro District features 4 likenesses of powerful Black leaders for the LGBTQIA+ community.

"The newest mural is something I teamed up with the Castro cultural district," said Artist Serge Gay Jr. "And we wanted to do very strong Black women in the community in San Francisco who have been leading activists and knocking the medium from the past to the present."

Gay Jr. created the colorful "Circle of Change" mural to honor women activists, Miss Billie Cooper, Gwenn Craig, Honey Mahogany, and Pat Norma.

"I'm in amazement," exclaimed featured activist Miss Billie Cooper. "Being up there with Gwenn Craig, and Honey Mahogany, and Pat Norman, and Miss Billy Cooper, knowing that we're four powerful, strong Black women, you know, fighting for the same cause."

The mural is adorned with flowers which carry celebratory meaning.

"We've given them their flowers for other achievements they've done in the community to say thank you," described Gay Jr. "So, that was like the overall message I wanted to, to even present to them. The three that are alive, one has passed away...we're honored for everything you have done."

The mural's high visibility raises awareness about LGBTQIA+ history and current activism, as well as echoes the community's welcoming atmosphere.

"Serge is an incredible artist, and somebody who just is so talented," said featured activist Honey Mahogany. "Hopefully it brings people joy, hopefully, also for people who are looking at it, who are, you know, feminine of center, who are people of color, that they also recognize themselves in it and feel like they have a place here in the Castro as well."

"When I came here in 1975, the Castro was the first neighborhood that I came to on the first day that I arrived." said featured activist Gwenn Craig. "Now to be a part that's enshrined in the Castro district is so deeply personally meaningful to me."

Craig added, "And I am so grateful that this community will have a chance to know about not just me, but all of the women on this wall."

For more information, visit here and follow @sergegayjr on Instagram.