By Eddie Reynoso
Julia Ashley “Jhigs” Legaspi | November 19, 1953 – April 10, 2025
Julia Ashley “Jhigs” Legaspi, a pioneering transgender Filipina woman, beloved small business owner, and tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in San Diego, California. She was 71.
Born in Cavite City, Philippines, Julia immigrated to San Diego in 1980 with hopes of building a better life. Just two years later, she opened Jhigs’ Hair Studio in Mira Mesa, which would become a cherished institution in the community for over four decades. Her salon was more than a place for hair—it was a sanctuary where clients found affirmation, laughter, and family.
Julia’s influence extended far beyond her salon. She made history as the first transgender person appointed to public office in San Diego, serving on the Equal Opportunity and Human Relations Commissions, as well as advisory boards for Mayor Dick Murphy and Police Chief David Bejarano. This distinction made her the third transgender person appointed to a public office in the United States.
During the AIDS crisis, Julia was on the front lines, ensuring that many in the community passed away with dignity and care. Her advocacy led to educating others and serving on the boards of several Asian American and LGBTQ organizations- including the Equality Business Alliance, where she had hoped to start a jobs program, specifically for transgender individuals. She was also instrumental in pushing for the elimination of the discriminatory “Cross Dressing Law” .
Julia continued her advocacy work by serving on numerous boards and commissions, including the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, County of San Diego Leon L. Williams Human Relations Commission, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria LGBTQ Advisory Board, County of San Diego Sheriff’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, and the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force .
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria remembered Julia as “one of the kindest, most gracious, and generous individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.” He added, “After immigrating from the Philippines, she became a small business owner in Mira Mesa and a leader in our Filipino and LGBTQ communities. Julia was my friend, and she made history as one of the first transgender people in the country to be appointed as a City Commissioner. She passed away earlier today, and I will miss her deeply. Rest in peace, Jhigs”.
Journalist Maria Arcega-Dunn paid tribute to Julia, stating, “Today, we honor the incredible life of ‘Jhigs’ Julia Legaspi, a true trailblazer and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in San Diego and a leader in the Filipino community. Julia’s strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched the lives of so many. She fought tirelessly for equality and acceptance, always standing up for those who needed a voice. Her beauty radiated from the inside out, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their true selves. She loved making people feel beautiful… and she did it every day of her life. Julia’s legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone she met” .
Julia’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. She often said, “Discrimination against any of us is discrimination against all of us,” a belief that guided her life’s work .
Her wake will be held at El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, on May 7 and 8, with services from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on May 9 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126.
May Julia “Jhigs” Legaspi’s legacy continue to inspire and guide future generations.
