San Francisco Rallies Around Queer Artist Diego Gómez After Tenderloin Attack

A fundraiser has been set up to assist beloved San Francisco artist Diego Gómez after he was brutally attacked in the Tenderloin on Sept. 30. Well over 300 donations have poured into the GoFundMe page since it was set up on Oct. 2, so far raising $20,000.

Gómez is best known for his joyful murals (including the view of the Bay that decorates Oasis nightclub’s roofdeck), graphic novels and drag persona, Trangela Lansbury — whom KQED once described as a “bearded cosplay queen.”

@designnurd #sourcandy #sourcandychallange #pastel #lisafrank #billboard #billboardart #oasis #sfoasis #oasissf #fantasy #barbie #barbiegirl #shera #jemandtheholograms #rainbow #unicorn #pegasus #darkhorse #queerart #blackpink #gaga #ladygaga #blackpinkinyourarea @ladygaga @blackpinkofficial #psychedelic #psychedelicart #oillamp #arcoiris #🌈 #🦄 #💫 ♬ Sour Candy – Lady Gaga & BLACKPINK

Gómez is also well-known in local art communities for his ability to turn George Washington, Abraham Lincoln or Andrew Jackson — as seen on the one, five and 20 dollar bills, specifically — into any public figure of his choosing with a few flicks of his paint brush.

@designnurd And justice for ALL.✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻✊#justiceforgeorgefloyd #arrestderekchauvin #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #20dollarbill #timelapseportrait ♬ original sound – Designnurd

Gómez’s friend Lauri Green, who set up the GoFundMe for Gómez’s birthday, explained on the page that Gómez had been treated for “multiple facial fractures” at the neurological ICU at San Francisco General Hospital.

“Diego has a long road to recovery ahead of him and we are unsure when he will be able to return to work,” Green wrote. “Medical bills and living expenses in San Francisco can be overwhelming, and we want to ensure he has the support he needs to focus on healing.”

A later update from Green stated that Gómez was sent home on Oct. 4 and was recuperating with family members. “Thank you all so much for your outpouring of support,” Green said. “It means so much to Diego! He is very grateful.”

Green’s final goal is to raise $35,000 to assist Gómez.