Contact: media@sfaf.org
SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, 2026–San Francisco AIDS Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of two community leaders as co-chairs for this year’s Tribute Gala.
Jupiter Peraza is a trailblazing activist whose leadership has advanced health equity and transgender rights in San Francisco and beyond. She is a committed champion for the rights and recognition of transgender communities, and in 2021 authored the proclamation establishing August as Transgender History Month in San Francisco, later helping to expand it statewide. She co-led statewide outreach efforts for California’s first baseline study on the aging experience of LGBTQ+ older adults with Openhouse, UCSF, the California Commission on Aging, and UC Berkeley. She has served on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, Office of Transgender Initiative’s Transgender Advisory Council, as the Director of Social Justice at The Transgender District, and has served as a delegate to the California Democratic Party representing Assembly District 17th since 2023.
Brian Lucero Contreras is a public affairs lead with Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area, which includes the San Francisco and San Rafael medical centers. Through his work and leadership at Kaiser Permanente, he has strengthened community partnerships and advanced Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to health equity and fighting disparities, values that have been central to the organization for more than 80 years. Brian was recently selected to serve as Co-Chair of Kaiser Permanente’s Enterprise Pride @ KP business resource group, which supports LGBTQ+ employees and advances health equity initiatives in the communities we serve. He has also supported San Francisco AIDS Foundation through his participation in the AIDS/LifeCycle and Cycle to Zero fundraising events. Brian’s dedication and passion for his work is helping to reinforce Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to addressing disparities and achieving health equity as we build healthier communities for all.
“We are thrilled to have Brian Lucero Contreras and Jupiter Peraza serve as co-chairs for this year’s Tribute Gala,” said Tyler TerMeer, PhD, CEO of SFAF. “Together, they represent the very best of what our community stands for–heartfelt activism, a deep commitment to health equity, and a belief that lasting change is built through strong partnership. Each has led in ways that strengthen our community, and together they embody the leadership, vision, and generosity that make our movement possible. We are honored to celebrate their leadership and commitment to driving our movement forward, and we’re grateful for the purpose they bring to this special event.”
Tribute Gala is an evening of hope, philanthropy and activism that honors leaders in the response to HIV and AIDS and progress towards health justice for all. This year, Tribute Gala will be held on September 26, 2026 at the historic Fairmont San Francisco.