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. Here is a look back at what those were from 2009–2011.
2009–2010
The 37th Royal House of All That Glitters Is Gold
Grand Duke XXXVI Patrick Noonan
Color: gold
Symbol: Grateful Dead bear
Grand Duchess XXXVII Pollo Del Mar
Color: gold
Symbol: mermaid
Favorite Saying: “All that glitters is gold.”
Coronation Theme: “Russian Roulette”
The 37th reign brought another member of the House of Glitter into the front of the line. Grand Duchess XXXVII Pollo Del Mar has a very extensive résumé and is an icon within the gay LGBTQI+ communities. Pollo is a drag queen performer, journalist, activist, emcee, philanthropist, comic, singer, and professional wrestling personality. She has been alternatively known as the Notorious P.M.D or The Glamazon and holds the title of Empress 53 of the Imperial Court of San Francisco.
I spoke with Pollo for the San Francisco Bay Times about her experience as Grand Duchess. She told me, “There were so many special moments during our reign. For me, the Court system was an all-new world and a wonderful way of following the footsteps of my drag mother, Grand Duchess 36 Landa Lakes. What made the time particularly special, I think, was spending so much time with my chosen family, the House of Glitter. Patrick and I had a Court made mostly of my drag children, and we traveled to almost every court-related event together. Plus, the Grand Ducal Council has such a storied and rich history. I spent so many hours hearing all of the hilarious stories from the past, laughing with and really growing to love the people who kept the organization alive through some incredibly lean times.”
She added, “One of the most hilarious memories I have of being Grand Duchess happened before we were even crowned—literally moments before! My drag mother made me a special gown for Coronation, but I hadn’t tried it on until a few minutes before it was time to be crowned. Well, apparently I had packed on a bit of weight, the damn thing didn’t fit, and I became Grand Duchess of San Francisco in a dress I couldn’t get more than 3/4 on. It was quite a sight—but at least things got better from there … mostly!”
I asked Grand Duke Patrick Noonan about some of his most memorable highlights. He shared, “We had an amazing reign guided by our Prime Minister Collette LeGrande-Ashton and our mama GD 36 Landa Lakes and papa GD 35 Carlos Medal.”
He then recalled the following: “Everyone mispronouncing Pollo’s name at Coronations. Pollo trying to park the float truck. Having an amazing year of raising monies for our favorite charities and making many new friends. Watching our daughter Cookie Dough and son Jason Husted filling our shoes after our step-down.”
Grand Duke Patrick currently holds the Chair of the 50th Gala celebration and has served in many BOD positions, and he continues to remain an active member within the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco.
2010–2011
The 38th Royal House of We’re Rock and Woof All Night
Grand Duke XXXVII Jason Husted
Colors: blue and red
Symbol: leather wolf
Always saying: “Woof”
Grand Duchess XXXVIII Cookie Dough (deceased)
Color: Yellow
Symbol: Cookie Dough
Coronation Theme: “Cosmonauts in Outer Space”
As the children of Grand Duke Patrick Noonan and Grand Duchess Pollo Del Mar, the members of this Royal House continued to shine light on the illustrious Grand Ducal Council. Grand Duchess Cookie Dough was a leading drag performer. Cookie Dough was featured in the Trannyshack documentary Blood, Sweat & Glitter. Cookie founded a weekly drag revue, The Monster Show, at the local bar The Edge. The revue continues at The Edge to date. Cookie also founded the drag Golden Girls alongside Heklina and her drag mom, Pollo Del Mar. This show has been running for over 20 years.
The community lost Cookie in 2015 when she passed away while on a trip to Mexico. This writer wonders what will become of the annual Golden Girls Christmas shows, now that the community has lost two of the founders of the show, given Heklina’s recent death. Heklina was also away from home overseas; she was in London when she passed on April 3, 2023. A scholarship in Grand Duchess Cookie Dough’s name was created by the Queens of the Castro and a plaque in her honor is on display at The Edge.
Jason Husted is not only Grand Duke 37, but he is also co-founder of the Haus of Starfish. He is Chairman of the SF Leather Pride contingent and is a brilliantly talented artist. He holds a very special place in our beloved San Francisco heart and is continually providing support to many of our LGBTQI+, kink, fetish, and leather communities.
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 April 20, 2023
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