Starchild (activist)
Starchild | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1971–1972 (age 51–53) California |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations |
|
| Political party | Libertarian |
Starchild (born Chris Fox, 1971 or 1972[1]) is a libertarian activist, perennial candidate and sex worker from San Francisco.[2][3] He is known for his flamboyant style of dress.[4]
Background
[edit]Starchild grew up in the East Bay and moved to San Francisco after a stint in the United States Army Reserves.[2][5] He adopted the 'Starchild' moniker in the 1990s, and had his name legally changed in 1998.[2] He identifies as bisexual.[2][3] Starchild has worked as an escort and erotic dancer.[6] In 2005, Starchild was arrested for prostitution, though he was acquitted by a jury in 2007.[6]
Political activities
[edit]Starchild is an activist for the Libertarian Party and advocate for the decriminalization of sex work.[2] In 2012 and 2016, Starchild was elected to an at-large position on the Libertarian National Committee.[7][8][9] As of 2024, he is the Chair of the Libertarian Party of San Francisco.[10]
Starchild has run as a Libertarian for the California State Assembly twice. In 2000, he ran in the 13th District and placed third with 6.4% of the vote.[11] In 2020, he ran in the 17th District and advanced from the top-two primary to the general election, but lost to Democratic incumbent David Chiu 88.9%–11.1%.[12][13] Starchild has also run for local office numerous times, including for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2002 and 2006[2] and the San Francisco Board of Education in 2004 and 2010.[2]
At the 2016 Libertarian National Convention, Starchild gained attention for wearing a see-through raincoat with a Speedo underneath to "demand transparency".[14][15] During the speech of Donald Trump at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention, Starchild, dressed as Princess Leia, unfurled a "No Wannabe Dictators" banner in protest.[10] He was taken to the ground by security and removed from the venue.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ "Starchild". JoinCalifornia. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Starchild, star of the San Francisco Libertarian Party". KALW. November 1, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Barmann, Jay (November 3, 2016). "Starchild, SF's Favorite Bisexual Libertarian Sex Worker, Wants You To Vote For Gary Johnson: SFist". SFist - San Francisco News, Restaurants, Events, & Sports. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Watkins, Eli; Killough, Ashley (May 29, 2016). "Libertarian Party Convention tests Gary Johnson". CNN. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "Las Vegas sex workers demand rights, respect". NBC News. July 14, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Bajko, Matthew S. (November 14, 2007). "Jury acquits SF politico in prostitution case :: Bay Area Reporter". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Quinn, Garrett (May 6, 2012). "Starchild Is Here". Reason.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Hemingway, Mark (June 11, 2012). "Un-conventional". Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "LNC MINUTES MAY 30, 2016" (PDF). Libertarian Party. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Ferrannini, John (June 2, 2024). "Bi SF Libertarian dragged from convention; party nominates gay man for president :: Bay Area Reporter". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "November 7, 2000 Final Election Results". San Francisco Department of Elections. November 7, 2000. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Wenus, Laura; Baker, Mel (October 5, 2020). "State Assembly Candidates, District 17". San Francisco Public Press. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "District 17 Election Results". The Indianapolis Star. December 12, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "Meet the Most Interesting Characters From the Libertarian Convention". ABC News. May 30, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Grumke, Kate; Clancy, Kevin (May 28, 2016). "Why This Libertarian Is Wearing A See-Through Outfit At The Convention". Scripps News (SNEWS). Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Weissmueller, Zach (May 27, 2024). "WATCH: Libertarians react to Donald Trump's speech at their convention". Reason.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.