By Donna Sachet–
As we write this issue’s column, the San Francisco Bay Times joins the list of Legacy Businesses in San Francisco. Nominated by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the San Francisco Bay Times was determined by the Small Business Commission to meet qualifications of having “made a significant impact on the history or culture of their neighborhood.” According to the city website, “preserving our longstanding businesses is critical to maintaining that which makes San Francisco a special place.” So, kudos and congratulations to the Bay Times!
The first ever virtual San Francisco Imperial Coronation on April 24 exceeded all expectations, protecting its 55 years of important traditions and pageantry, while opening the event up to a much larger audience. It began with beautifully produced videos of performances of the National Anthems of Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the three nations that have active chapters of the International Court System of which San Francisco is the Founding Mother Court. Emcees for the evening were Emperor XLVII, After Norton, Terrill Grimes Munro and Absolute Empress LIV Baby Shaques Munro, offering a witty combination of casual humor and appropriate grandeur. Many elements of Imperial Coronation 56: Get Lit, a Novel Idea were prerecorded, including Command Performances, Anniversary Monarch presentations, and messages from dignitaries, but the live portions were from the familiar main stage of Oasis, providing red velvet curtains and professional lighting with grand props such as the Imperial thrones. Co-chairs of the ball, Cameron Stiehl and Absolute Empress XXXVI Chablis, skillfully wove these live and prerecorded segments into a seamless evening, much to the amazement of many and the delight of all. Emperor XLVIII, A.N., William Bulkley and Absolute Empress LV Mimi Osa offered remembrances of their just completed reign with performances and photographs in the online program, as well as distributing the thousands of dollars they raised during that year to their selected charitable organizations.
Over its 55 years, the Imperial Court of San Francisco has raised and distributed funds adding up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. They have made a significant difference in the success of many nonprofit groups and their charitable work. Queen Mother of the Americas Nicole the Great and King Father of the Americas Terry Sidie each provided recorded messages, Miss Pearl Teese, Miss Rahni Nothingmore, and the 36th Grand Duchess of San Francisco Landa Lakes gave standout performances, and the candidates for Emperor and Empress entertained.
As loyal readers well know from last issue’s column, this was one of the most hotly contested elections in recent history, with Ehra Amaya and Juanita MORE! running for Empress and Mr. David Glamamore for Emperor. Their lively campaigns came to a conclusion the Saturday before with record voting in the Castro, Polk, and SOMA of over 1400 votes, with the results to be revealed this night. As the candidates were sequestered live, Imperial Crown Andrew Hirst Munrose and Imperial Crown Princess The One and Only Rexy took their final walks, the new Board of Directors was named, and William Bulkley and Mimi Osa received their official titles, rings, numbers, and other recognition. Then, Imperial Council Chair John Carrillo unsealed the results of the election and announced newly elected Emperor Mr. David Glamamore and Empress Juanita MORE! who were then crowned with all the pomp and circumstances for which the Imperial Court has been known since its origin.
The traditional annual Pilgrimage to Colma the following day was not possible due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, but nevertheless, the Empresses of San Francisco held their ceremonial cleaning of the Rainbow Honor Walk plaque for Our Beloved Founder José Sarria in the Castro and the presentation of the Empresses’ veil. A small group then made a personal visit to the gravesites of José Sarria and Emperor of the United States Joshua Norton, laying flowers and paying respects to these historic figures. We counted 11 Empresses in attendance and we know José Sarria would have been proud of the entire weekend. There is much more to come from the Imperial Court as these new Monarchs take their place and begin to make their marks.
The Bay Times new event Divas & Drinks at The Academy last Thursday paid tribute to women’s history, culture, and more. Team MECCA 2.0, led by Kelly Gilliam, and Team Olivia, led by Tisha Floratos, competed by answering trivia questions with multiple choice answers posed by this columnist as hostess and emcee. We certainly learned a great deal from the variety of questions and appreciated the energy and attention of the teams. DJ Rockaway provided musical breaks, Vice-President and General Manager for Open West States at Bacardi USA Heather Freyer shared some cocktail recipes, as did others, and viewers played along with the teams. At the conclusion of the competition, the winner of prizes from the Bay Times and The Academy was … watch the video at The Academy’s Facebook page to find out! Closing out the event was a recorded message from mystery guest Margaret Cho, introduced by local well-known author and fellow Bay Times columnist Jewelle Gomez. This is planned as a series of events, so watch for the next Divas & Drinks at The Academy in June and this time live from The Academy on Market Street.
And finally, we can report with great enthusiasm and confidence that the Russian River is on its way back! This resilient community has seen fires, floods, and now this pandemic, but it keeps reviving and continues to offer us a casual retreat in idyllic wine country with quaint shops, bustling bars, friendly people, and comfortable resorts. Our recent visit to celebrate our friend Kevin Lisle’s birthdaysaw a score of familiar faces embracing newly relaxed COVID restrictions and returning to dearly missed celebrations at the r3 Hotel in Guerneville. CoCo Butter produced a splendid weekend with sumptuous buffet, Cinco de Mayo themed décor, poolside entertainment, and surprises galore. The warm welcomes there and at the Rainbow Cattle Company downtown evoked nostalgic memories and renewed friendships. Plan your weekend soon!
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
Sunday, May 9
Mother’s Day
Show them some love today!
Saturday, May 15
Empress’ Bake Sale
Culinary delights from the Imperial Kitchens of San Francisco
Castro Stitchery (formerly The Mask Shop), 4072 18th Street
Noon–4 pm
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Wednesday, May 26
GGBA Power Lunch
Virtual expo, networking, speakers
11:30 am–1 pm
$40–75
www.ggba.com
Thursday, May 27
Petchitecture, Pets Are Wonderful Support
Virtual gala for Shanti’s PAWS
6–7 pm
FREE!
www.shanti.org
Published on May 6, 2021
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