San Francisco – a city well-known as the home to many legendary LGBT activists and a mecca for the gay community – lost one of its most adored icons in the early hours of Saturday morning. Bubbles – also known as Anthony Torres – was shot and killed outside the New Century Club in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood.
Bubbles was a figurehead in the city’s underground dance music scene and a dance floor legend loved by many. She could often be seen DJing with her portable DJ equipment near the RS94109 record store, a store which was on the same corner where she was killed.
Josh Cheon, Boss of Dark Entries Label based in RS94109, commented on the spirit and life Bubbles brought to San Francisco’s scene:
“If you were lucky enough to meet Bubbles you would never forget her, a true artist in every meaning of the word. Not of this time or planet, she was always full of the most positive energy she would excitedly share stories about launching a new fashion line, discovering a Severed Heads B-side and throwing a party in an underground space all in the same conversation. San Francisco lost one [of] the best and will never be the same.“
Several people took to Twitter and Bubbles’s Facebook page mourning the loss of their friend. They shared images, videos, and artwork.
Vigil for Anthony Torres who went by #Bubbles happening now in #Tenderloin Where he was gunned down Saturday morning 3am pic.twitter.com/D85ByMLP1u
— Ella Sogomonian (@EllaSogomonian) September 11, 2017
“I love you Bubbles, this is one sad little Oklahoma girl… & Your finger still smells like my belly button.. see you on the flip side my friend….“,wrote Melanie Hanna-May on Bubbles’ Facebook.
Stephane Taurel wrote,”Bubbles was and will remain our friend because in all the things we thought he was, he choose to help us to feel free . We, I mean all his friend have a mission now, it’s to keep his spirit alive”
The San Francisco Police Department has been putting time and resources in keep the trans community safe and hope that this heartbreaking event isn’t a trend. Bubbles’ attorney Jim Reilly is firmly labeling the murder as a hate crime and states that the loss of the activist will not be taken lightly.
Bubbles was an eclectic, fun-loving and truly “bubbly” figure that will be missed dearly in San Francisco. Several LGBT icons have come from San Francisco including Harvey Milk, Margaret Cho, José Sarria, Lou Sullivan and many more – and Bubbles, too, is a star among them.
