By Donna Sachet–
The Imperial Court of San Francisco welcomes you to the month of February and a return to in-person events celebrating over 50 years of charitable fundraising, exciting community events, and leadership development. This column is your source for all these upcoming events, the people around whom they center, and how you can become involved.
For the past nine months or so, Reigning Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & Reigning Empress Juanita MORE! have represented the Imperial Court, hosting numerous events and fundraisers, continuing and enhancing various title contests, and generally honoring the dream of Our Beloved Founder José Sarria, all while facing the continuing challenges of the COVID pandemic.
On Saturday, February 26, their reign will officially end and a new Emperor & Empress will be crowned at Imperial Coronation 57: Family is Universal at Midway SF, 900 Marin Street, starting at 6 pm. If you’ve never attended such an event, here is your opportunity to see what it is all about, from elaborate costumes and stunning jewelry to traditional pageantry, exciting entertainment, and the presentation of funds raised over the past year to various charitable organizations.
Typically attended by hundreds of people, including local and State elected officials, San Francisco Imperial Coronation will leave you agape with fantastic splendor. It is hard to believe that this formal ceremony has been happening for over 50 years, that each year the San Francisco public elects a new Emperor & Empress, and that never have we been without candidates, nor has any Emperor or Empress served more than one reign. Quite a record!
Surrounding this primary event are many others that will be listed in our calendar in this column with details as they become available. The most immediate event is Voting Day on Saturday, February 19, with polling locations at Harvey Milk Plaza, noon–6 pm, The Cinch, 11 am–4 pm, and Powerhouse, 1–5 pm. You must prove residency in the County of San Francisco, Marin, or San Mateo in order to vote.
Over the years, there have been as many as eight candidates for Emperor and six for Empress, but this year a single candidate is seeking each title, Brent Marek for Emperor and Ehra Amaya for Empress. Both must fulfill all the requirements to be elected, including fundraising events, professional behavior during the campaign, and attendance at all prescribed events; and they will be out and about over the next three weeks asking for your vote. Get to know them, ask them pertinent questions, and be sure to vote on February 19!
The week of Imperial Coronation, the Reigning Monarchs host the In-Town Show & Awards on Wednesday, February 23, 6–9 pm, when local performers will entertain and various awards will be presented to those who have actively supported this year’s reign. Emperor XXVIII, A.N., John Carrillo and Absolute Empress XLIX Misty Blue host the Anniversary Monarchs’ Reception on Thursday, February 24, 7–8:30 pm. And on Friday, February 25, 6–9 pm, there will be the Out-of-Town Show, featuring performances by titleholders visiting San Francisco for the glamorous weekend. This is often a highlight of the week as we get a glimpse at talent ranging from Alaska to Hawaii and New York to Idaho. The International Court System has nearly 70 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and many will be converging on our kingdom, attending Court events, enjoying the local sights and scenes, and adding considerably to our nightlife.
Even after the new Monarchs have been crowned with all the pomp and circumstances for which we are known, there is one more event not to be missed. On Sunday, February 27, we head to Colma at the crack of dawn for the Annual Pilgrimage to Woodlawn Cemetery where José Sarria and Emperor Joshua Norton are interred. This is an event unique to San Francisco, when hundreds of Court members and others assemble for a rousing ceremony, started by the Emperors of San Francisco and hosted with wit and personality by José himself for decades. There will be spirited music from the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, ecumenical remarks from members of the Night Ministry, comments and humor from the emcees, and traditional formal ceremonies. It is the perfect way to end a dizzying circuit of events.
We hope to see you at many of these Imperial functions.
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
Saturday, February 19
Voting Day for Emperor & Empress
Brent Marek for Emperor and Ehra Amaya for Empress
Harvey Milk Plaza, noon–6 pm
The Cinch, 1273 Polk Street, 11 am–4 pm
Powerhouse, 1–5 pm
Proof of residency required to vote
Free!
Sunday, February 20
14th Annual Earthquake Party
Hosted by Absolute Empress XLI Galilea
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street
4–7 pm
Free!
Wednesday, February 23
In-Town Show & Awards
Blackbird Bar, 2124 Market Street
6–9 pm
Free!
Thursday, February 24
Anniversary Monarchs’ Reception
Ha-Ra Club, 875 Geary Street
7–8:30 pm
Free!
Friday, February 25
Out-of-Town Show
The Cat Club, 1190 Folsom Street
6–9 pm
$25 cover
Saturday, February 26
Imperial Coronation 57: Family is Universal
The Midway SF, 900 Marin Street
6 pm
$85 each
Sunday, February 27
Annual Cemetery Pilgrimage
Woodlawn Cemetery, Colma
8–10 am
Free!
Sunday, February 27
Victory Brunch
Hyatt Park Central, 50 Third Street
11:30 am–1:30 pm
Price TBD
Sunday, February 27
Hawaii, Alaska & Texas Party
Detour, 2200A Market Street
3–6 pm
Free!
Published on January 27, 2022
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