By Donna Sachet–
The campaign for Emperor & Empress of San Francisco is in full swing with Bill Bulkley running for Emperor and Migitte Nielsen and Mimi Osa competing for Empress. It is hard to believe that the Imperial Court has been around for over 50 years, each year offering approved candidates for each title and giving the public the opportunity to select the winners. For over 50 years, individuals have stepped up to volunteer their time, energy, and talents to the community in this way, giving rise to over 70 Imperial Court chapters across the continent in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And for over 50 years, the Imperial Court of San Francisco has provided glamorous, entertaining events, raised incredible amounts of money for a variety of charitable organizations, and helped to develop the next generation of leaders in the LGBTQ Community.
Over the next few weeks, get to meet the candidates as they host events across the City, expressing their love of San Francisco, energizing their supporters, and sharing their vision for the future. Never forget that the Imperial Court was started by José Sarria, the first openly Gay person to run for political office in the United States and by a hearty group of individuals committed to empowering the LGBTQ Community. So many of the organizations that provide essential services to us today were founded and/or supported by the Imperial Court. Review our adjacent calendar of events for a comprehensive list of the goings-on of this organization during its busiest month of the year and we especially hope to see you on Saturday, February 22, at San Francisco’s 55th Imperial Coronation, Disco in the Jungle, when Reigning Emperor Terrill Grimes and Reigning Empress Baby Shaques complete their reign and their successors are announced.
The Empresses Evening Show last Saturday night at Hamburger Mary’s was a great success, uniting a variety of performers for a lively show and raising over $1000 for the Monarchs’ charity fund to be distributed at Imperial Coronation in February. Reigning Empress Baby Shaques is to be congratulated for organizing this unusual event and for gathering an enthusiastic audience. Additional Empresses performing were Galilea, Renita Valdez, Emma Peel, Alexis Miranda, Patty McGroin, Angelina Josephina Manicotti, Mercedez Munro, and this humble columnist, with Marlena in attendance. Each Empress brought her best, covering a wide range of musical styles and personal images and truly demonstrating the many faces of the Empress of San Francisco. We thank everyone for their support and tips, especially the Emperors who were there cheering us on. Rumor has it that a similar effort on their behalf may be in the works!
Last Thursday, we joined a small, but generous group at Chambers, the restaurant of the Phoenix Hotel, to celebrate the success of ACTivate, a new program supporting the SF AIDS Foundation. We had the pleasure of emceeing the inaugural ACTivate Breakfast in December, where over $450,000 was committed to support the many programs of this organization that touch over 25,000 individuals in our City. Speakers were brief, but CEO Joe Hollendoner thanked all involved in this new and obviously well received effort. If you are curious about the work of the SF AIDS Foundation, they are conducting tours, called Zero in Mission Tours, at the Strut location on Castro Street, where you’ll learn about their strategic plan, ongoing programs, and opportunities to participate yourself. Contact them directly to schedule your tour.
Last year, the Disco Coalition announced their formation with “the collective intention of shepherding queerkind toward a brighter future.” With so many among us wringing our hands about the future, we applaud a group that is taking action! Their most recognizable effort to date is a series of happy hours at Lookout recognizing local Queeros, individuals who have made or are currently making a difference in the LGBTQ Community. With additional support from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this series of events has raised an ongoing total of $65,598 for a wide variety of organizations while honoring people like Dennis Peron, Alan Turing, Mark Bingham, Juanita MORE!, Sylvester, and José Sarria. We joined this illustrious list of honorees last Friday with hostess Suzan Revah, DJ Paul Goodyear, and tons of friends and supporters including Gary Virginia, Richard Landry, Steven Satyricon, Ron Huberman, Troy Arnold & Ira Olney, Rusty Best, Frankie Fernandez, and Joanie Juster, raising over $1000 for PRC. Even State Senator Scott Wiener and City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman dropped by with certificates and kind words! Imagine raising significant money for worthy charities simply by gathering like-minded people in a welcoming venue for happy hour! Thanks go to Lookout’s Chris Hastings, Aaron Wessels, and the people behind Disco Coalition, especially Jose Medina (@captainmagenta) for the artwork depicting us in classic attire and pose.
Saturday night, it was time to check out the recent overhaul of The Café on Market Street. Spectacular! Ascend the legendary staircase and behold a sparkling modern club, dazzling with lights, huge video screens, and dynamic speakers. What was once a series of connected rooms is now a unified space with multiple levels, high ceilings, sprawling bars, and visual stimulation everywhere. That night was dedicated to a birthday celebration for our friend and talented performer Mahlae Balenciaga, who accepted the adulation with glee. Longtime friend Lady Tia, in cognito, joined us and seemed equally amazed with the transformation. She has a long history with The Café, and we traded stories of yesteryear with abandon. Next time the urge to dance hits you in the Castro, may we suggest The Café!
Before we sign off, we want to bring special attention to an event right around the corner: The Academy of Friends 40th Anniversary Gala, Sunday, February 9. This has always been one of the premier events in San Francisco, but this year it promises even more with a new location, 110 Embarcadero; new beneficiary, SF LGBT Asylum Project; and a Ruby Red theme! Come watch the Academy Awards, watch the resplendent outfits, and support a great cause!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Published on January 30, 2020
Every Sunday
Sunday’s a Drag!
10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show
Donna Sachet, Lady Tia, Mahlae & guest stars
The Empire Ballroom of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
$75
https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag
Sunday, February 9
Academy of Friends 40th Anniversary Gala
Benefiting LGBT Asylum Project
110 Embarcadero
5:30 pm
$150 & up
www.lgbtasylumproject.org
Saturday February 15
Voting Day for Emperor & Empress of San Francisco
Castro MUNI Station, Noon–6 pm
Project Open Hand, 11 am–4 pm
Powerhouse, 1 pm–5 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Wednesday, February 19
Imperial in Town Show
Local performers and Imperial thank you’s
Hamburger Mary’s, 531 Castro Street
7 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Thursday, February 20
Imperial Anniversary Monarchs’ Reception
Hosted by Emperor John Carrillo and Empress Misty Blue
The HA-RA Club, 875 Geary Street
7 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Friday, February 21
Imperial Out of Town Show
Entertainers from across the continent
Park Central Hotel, 50 Third Street
7 pm
$25
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday February 22
SF’s 55th Imperial Coronation: Disco in the Jungle
Spectacular pageantry, luxurious costumes, generous charity
Park Central Hotel, 50 Third Street
6 pm
$70
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Sunday, February 23
Imperial Pilgrimage to Colma
Campy visit to the graves of Emperor Norton and Empress José Sarria
Emceed by Emperor John Weber and Empress Donna Sachet
Woodlawn Cemetery, Colma
Bus from Park Central Hotel, 7 am
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Sunday, February 23
Imperial Victory Brunch
Final thanks from Emperor Terrill Grimes & Empress Baby Shaques
Park Central Hotel, 50 Third Street
11:30 am
$40
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
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