By Kippy Marks–
When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know whom they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down.
We have taken a look at the last 42 Royal Houses and have gotten to know a little about each of them. Now, I am featuring the remaining Royal Houses one at a time with each leading us to the current Reigning Monarchs and to the candidates of The Grand Ducal Council’s 50th Reign. Here is a spotlight on the 43rd Royal House:
2015–2016
The 43rd Royal House of the Diamond Eyed Ebony Panther and the Lady of the Giving Read Heart
Grand Duke XLII, The Diamond Eyed Panther Aja Monet – Ashton
Colors: orange and blue
Symbol: black panther
Always saying: “Each one teach one.”
Grand Duchess XLIII, The Lady of the Giving Red Heart – Olivia Hart
Colors: black & red
Symbol: red heart
Always saying: “From the heart, through the Court, to the Community.”
Coronation Theme: “A Russian Military Ball”
Their court consisted of:
Royal Crown Prince: Jouke Lanning
Royal Crown Princess: Paris LaQuinta
Prince Royale: Madd Dogg 20/20
Princess Royale: Miss Shugana
Prime Minister: Renita Valdez
White Knight: Colby Micheals
Miss Debutante: MGM Grande
Royal Baby: Jared Neil
King of Hearts: Strobe (Luis Canales)
Queen of Hearts: Sable Jones
Mr. Royal Bunny: Gareth Gooch
Miss Royal Bunny: Bernadette Bohan
Royal Chick-a-Dee: Just-in-Thyme (1st ever Royal Chick-a-Dee)
Royal Daddy: Mark Hankins
Royal Daddy’s Boy: Pablo Riquelme-Cuartero
California Gold: Intensive Claire
Grand Duchess Olivia Hart started her journey with the Grand Ducal Council running for the annual court title “Queen of Hearts” in 2010. She ran for Grand Duchess three times before she won the hearts of the community. Grand Duchess Olivia has proven her dedication to the Grand Ducal Council and has received The Trixie Trash Memorial Workhorse Award,
The National Sarria-Sidie-Townson Outstanding Veterans Award, The Grand Ducal Founders Award, The Grand Duke Don Baker Memorial Humanitarian Award, The Grand Duchess Kitty Memorial Presidential Award, and several Certificates of Achievement from state and local government offices.
Grand Duchess Olivia still works alongside the new courts, and is currently the Prime Mister of the 49th reigning Court, and she serves on the board of directors. Grand Duchess Olivia has also been featured in a documentary, Beautiful By Night, and a photo book: Legends of Drag: Queens of a Certain Age.
I asked Olivia how long she has been involved with the Council. She replied, “I joined the Ducal Court back in 2010 when I met GD Landa Lakes, GD Cookie Dough, and Princess Miso Hornay, and they got me excited about their upcoming Queen of Hearts Contest. I had to have it!”
She added “I had just arrived in San Francisco that year and needed to continue my community service, which I was doing in Pennsylvania for 10 years with F.A.C.T. (Fighting AIDS Continuously Together).”
I wanted to know what inspired Grand Duchess Olivia to join the Grand Ducal council. She explained: “I was inspired by the community service that the GDC did and still does and the fact that they do it with camp. I love ballgowns and jewels and giving back to the community year after year.”
Grand Duke Aja Monet Ashton is considered to be my great grandson. When Aja approached me and asked if I would be his campaign manager, I humbly agreed. Aja would then become Grand Duke and the second elected African American to hold that title.
Grand Duke Aja got his start with the Council by running and winning the title of Royal Baby. He also started Tenderloin Pride in San Francisco, which ran for three years. I recently spoke with Grand Duke Aja, who has been having some health issues for the last couple of years. He said, “My time with the Ducal Council has been a wonderful experience. I am really a shy guy deep inside and I didn’t join the Council for recognition. I joined the Council to be of service to the community, and at that time there was a need, and I hope my service did help.”
On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org
Tickets ($60) are on sale through August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. We hope to see you at this once-in-a-lifetime historic event!
Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco
Published on July 13, 2023
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