Defiant by design: Hot Stuff's Pride collab W/ skiwear's HOOHAH
- hotstuffstudioseb
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
Digital collage created by; Trinicia Alexander-Cowan
When fashion designer Anna Tedstrom, behind the ultra-femme, fun af skiwear brand Hoohah, reached out to collaborate on a collection of trucker hats for Pride, we didn’t hesitate—hell yes!
Just as the pioneers and activists throughout Queer history refused to be erased, we believe our collective strides forward should be celebrated year-round. This collaboration is more than a fashion statement—it’s a way to carry the legacy of resistance, visibility, and spirit that has shaped the Queer community. Which brings us to....
The RIOT 66 Trucker Launch!!!
This Pride 2025 season, we honor and pay homage to Trans leaders and an event that Ignited the way for THE LGBTQIA+ community's right to parade, party, work, play, live and create our truest, fullest lives
The story behind the design: Compton’s Cafeteria Riot 1966— The Spark OF Queer RESISTANCE 3 years Before Stonewall
Setting the scene
Imagine for a moment that you are a Trans-woman, drag performer, sex-worker in San Francisco 1966. Your outward appearance and expression are shunned and criminalized. Assertions of uprightness founded in Christianity and the popularization of the nuclear family deny you access to social services, gainful employment, and an overall safe existence.
You're unwelcome in most areas of the city and face constant harassment and even arrests for the offenses of "dressing as a gender other than your own" or "Obstructing the sidewalk". You and your fellow trans-women, drag performers and "gay hustlers" are pushed into the shadows of the city. The only relative safety you find comes in the form of community and conversation over cups of coffee and breakfast fare at 24-hour eatery in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, Gene Compton's Cafeteria.
What lead to the Riot?
Rising tensions between the transgender community, local queer activists, San Francisco Police Department, and the cafeteria's ownership compounded on an August night. A fight broke out in the dining room of the cafeteria. The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot was set in motion when a trans woman, tired of routine police harassment, threw her hot coffee at an officer—a simple but bold gesture that ignited a movement.
The Rest Is Radical queer history
Backup was called and by the time more officers arrived, over sixty patrons had made their way out of the diner and onto the street. Together they fought back police in what is now known as the first documented act of civil protest against police brutality by a group of Queer people, namely Trans women. The women engaged in defensive maneuvers, beating officers with their heavy handbags and high heels. Windows were shattered and glass littered the ground. Nearby objects like sugar shakers were used as projectiles. The night culminated into a revolutionary show of resistance that ended after several arrests a police car and newsstand were left torched.
Learn more about The Compton's Cafeteria Riot by watching the documentary "Screaming Queens" created by historian, Susan Stryker, who researched and uncovered the event in 1995.
From S.F. to Stonewall and Burning still
Following that night came increased political awareness related to San Francisco's trans community. Pro-gay activism continued to spread throughout the nation and lead to more well-known and documented demonstrations of civil unrest like famed Stonewall Riot of New York in 1969. In 2025, Queer communities continue these traditions of defiance and visibility across the globe. We gather to celebrate, reflect, remember, and connect with one another and our shared journey in the name of lives free of segregation. We continue to speak out and take up space, impacting human rights across lines of gender, class, and race.
Experience History Live
The Tenderloin Museum is currently presenting The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, an immersive and interactive play inspired by the historic 1966 uprising in San Francisco’s Tenderloin
Written by Colette LeGrande, Mark Nassar, and Donna Personna, and directed by Ezra Reaves the play is staged at the museum’s new dedicated venue at 835 Larkin Street, with performances every Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM. Audiences are invited to step into a fully realized replica of Compton’s Cafeteria, where a 12-person cast reenacts the buildup to that pivotal moment of resistance.
We actually attended this production and had to plan our attendance about a month in advance, it was incredibly educational and INSPIRING. Almost immediately after the play, we talked about seeing it again as the immersive nature enables patrons to experience the show differently depending on where you're seated.
Check out THIS TIKTOK WITH OVER THAT OUR CO-FOUNDER, DRU, MADE TO RECAP THE SHOW!
OVER 100K VIEWS AND COUNTING
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, Pride parades fill streets where protests once led to arrests
Queer representation is more visible than ever, but the fight is far from over. Trans rights are still under attack, and the forces that pushed queers into the shadows in 1966 haven’t disappeared—they’ve evolved.
History reminds us that progress isn’t given—it’s fought for. Every day we continue the work of those who came before us, ensuring that visibility, dignity, and joy remain at the forefront of our movements.
This collaboration is more than a fashion statement—it’s a way to wear and represent the legacy of resistance that has shaped the queer community
Thank you again to Anna at Hoohah for inviting us to make this happen and
HAPPY PRIDE
2 all the queers out there + those who love them <3
Much love,
Trin + Dru @ Hot Stuff Studios
Further Reading & Resources on Compton’s Cafeteria
“Screaming Queens” (2005, Documentary by Susan Stryker & Victor Silverman) – A pivotal documentary on Compton’s Cafeteria Riot featuring firsthand accounts.
GLBT Historical Society Archives – Contains valuable materials related to San Francisco’s queer history.
Transgender History by Susan Stryker (Book, 2008) – A comprehensive overview of trans activism, including Compton’s Riot.
Online Articles & Websites
“Remembering Compton’s Cafeteria Riot” (Them.us) – Covers the significance of the riot and its impact.
National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org) – Offers advocacy materials and history.
Organizations for Trans Rights & Support
Transgender Law Center (transgenderlawcenter.org) – Legal advocacy and support for trans individuals.
LYRIC (lyric.org) – SF-based LGBTQ+ youth organization with historical activism insights.
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