A block in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood will soon be dubbed “Vicki Mar Lane” in honor of late longtime transgender activist and actress Vicki Marlane who passed away nearly three years ago.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution this afternoon to designate the 100 block of Turk Street as Vick Mar Lane.
Marlane died from AIDS-related health complications on July 5, 2011 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy in the city’s transgender community and beyond.
She was known for her decades-long acting career and performances at Tenderloin venues, particularly at Aunt Charlie’s House, located on the street where she will be honored.
She had earned the nickname “The Lady With the Liquid Spine” for her drag performances, and was known for speaking out about transphobia.
An exhibit about her life and career was on display at the GLBT History Museum in the Castro District last fall.
Since her death, the community-based Vicki Marlane Memorial Campaign has gathered signatures to create the street designation and has raised funds to pay for the street sign.
The designation will be the first to recognize a member of the transgender community, Supervisor Jane Kim said.
Kim called Marlane a “Tenderloin sensation” who acted as a mentor to transgender girls and women throughout the world.
Kim said the Tenderloin was an appropriate site for a Marlane memorial because it “is the one place here that let’s people be who they are. It’s a place that accepts and takes you as you are.”
The street sign will be unveiled at a ceremony during the annual Trans March on June 27.
Sasha Lekach, Bay City News
