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 2011–2013.
2011–2013
The 39th Royal House of The Huggable Red Lion
Grand Duke XXXVIII Alan Toomey
Colors: red and white
Symbol: lion
Grand Duchess XXXIX Kylie Minono
Colors: teal and white
Symbol: heart
Always saying: “Free hugs for everyone! HUGGLES!”
Frequently called: “San Francisco’s Sweetheart”
Coronation Theme: “The Fabergé Ball – A Night of Russian Royalty”
This Royal House came in with a bang and Grand Duchess Kylie Minono reigned graciously. She holds the historic Ducal record as the youngest Grand Duchess to complete her reign at 26.
Kylie created what currently continues to be one of the largest financially successful fundraisers that the Ducal Council puts on each year. What fundraiser is this, you ask? It is So You Think You Can Drag. In its premier year, it was named You Gotta Give ‘Em Drag.
The idea was originally birthed when Kylie served on the Board of Directors of the Queens of the Castro and it was in conjunction with The Grand Ducal Council and Harvey Milk Academy. The fundraiser generates around 40K+ annually, and features celebrity Drag artists such as the likes of Laganja Estranja and Thorgy Thore along with local Drag artists and performers. It just completed its 7th year run!
Kylie has served on the BOD of The Grand Ducal Council as VP of Community Affairs and has served on the BOD of Folsom Street Events and The GLBT Historical Society. Kylie has been awarded the Grand Duchess Trixie Memorial Workhorse award and The Grand Duchess Kitty Memorial Presidential award, which she won twice.
When Kylie was reigning, she received the Most Regal Monarch award at the San Diego Coronation and was bestowed the title of Great, Great, Grandchild of Queen Mother Nicole The Great.
I recently spoke with Kylie for the San Francisco Bay Times and asked her to share some of her experiences as Grand Duchess. She said, “I love the Ducal Council because we celebrate the unique beauty of our members and support each other wholeheartedly in achieving community service through fundraising and volunteering for local nonprofit organizations. Serving as Grand Duchess 39 will always be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It was a deep honor to learn and grow with my Grand Duke, our Court, and the entire Ducal Council.”
On a personal note, Kylie’s dedication to the Grand Ducal Council organization truly inspired me, so much so that I decided to run for Grand Duke. She is the overwhelming reason I asked, begged, and pleaded for her to represent me and become my campaign manager. I will share more about this in the next issue.
2012–2013
The 40th Royal House of the Majestic Dove of Peace, Love, and Integration
Grand Duke XXXIX Moses “Moe Jo” Garcia
Colors: purple and yellow
Symbol: Coxxx
Favorite Saying: “Everyone needs a little Coxxx in their life.”
Grand Duchess XXXX Paloma Volare St. James
Colors: silver and black
Symbol: plane
Always Saying: “Okaaaay”
Coronation Theme: “Dancing With the Czars at the Ice Castle”
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 May 4, 2023
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