By Donna Sachet—
When you’ve attended as many Coronation Weekends as we have, you begin to realize that they are very much like amusement rides. You may have to stand in line beforehand, but you’ll finally board your car to experience several exciting thrills before the primary sensational peak in speed and cleverly designed scares, followed by a couple of wind-down curves and a gentle return to your point of origin. San Francisco Imperial Coronation Weekend begins long before the primary event as participants compare schedules, plan wardrobes, and busily coordinate elaborate looks. And then, we’re off for a memorable ride!
The first formal event is the Wednesday night In-Town Show, a chance for local performers to strut their stuff and for the monarchs to reward loyal subjects for a year of partnership. Beaux hosted this first event, offering an elevated stage, great sound, dizzying lighting effects, and a very friendly staff. Various local performers showcased their best talents and were rewarded with generous tips. Reigning Emperor Ashlé Blow and Reigning Empress Afrika America presented checks for funds raised during the year to assorted charities and awarded court members with recognition. From there, the celebrants scattered to partake of the bounteous offerings at bars and restaurants throughout the Castro.
On Thursday, we celebrated those monarchs with decade anniversaries at Ha-Ra Club on Geary Street, hosted by Emperor John Carrillo and Empress Misty Blue. We recognized the 50th anniversary of Emperor Michael Caringi & Empress Flame, 45th of Emperor Bobby Pace & Empress Pushy Phyllis, 40th of Emperor Matthew Brown & Empress Sable Clown, 35th of Emperor Michael Bowman & Empress Caresse, 30th of Emperor Steve Valdez & Empress Cockatielia, 25th of Emperor Tom Basch & Empress Chablis, 20th of Emperor Jason Ladd & Empress Galilea, 15th of Emperor Frankie Fernandez & Empress Saybeline Fernandez, and 10th of Emperor Salvador Tovar & Empress Emma Peel. A brief video about the life of Our Beloved Founder José Sarria was a highlight of the night. This was a night to contemplate and celebrate the long legacy of this thriving charitable organization.
Friday is reserved for visiting courtiers to perform at the Out-of-Town Show, a chance to see the great variety of talent from across the continent where Imperial Courts exist. This year’s show was long, but full of fresh talent with special emphasis on the newer non-binary titles and their performances. This is often the last night for visitors to experience the variety of bars in San Francisco from the Castro to Polk Street and South of Market. Old friendships were renewed and new ones were nourished. We thoroughly enjoyed a romp through the Castro with visiting friends, proud to show off all that we have to offer here in San Francisco.
When Saturday arrives, it is much like the thrilling peak of ups and downs on that amusement ride. Imperial Coronation LXI: Diaspora, the Power of Cultural Excellence started with the traditional color guard, national anthems (this time featuring the Black National Anthem), and spiritual blessings. After introducing the leadership of the International Court System, Imperial Coronation continued with charitable disbursements from a very successful year of fundraising, command performances, awards, and announcements of new Imperial titles.
Next, every visiting courtier gets the opportunity to walk across the stage with their court, often showing off fabulous costumes, sparkling jewelry, and dynamic presentations. Speaking of which, Ashlé & Afrika did not disappoint with gorgeous costumes and regal pageantry. Things wound to a conclusion with the formal awarding of numbers to the outgoing monarchs and their emotional last walks, followed by the announcement and crowning of the new Emperor and Empress. This year was a bit unusual with only one candidate for Emperor, namely John Brett, and no candidate for Empress, leading to the secret ceremonial selection of a Regent Empress for the first time in over 60 years. The crowd was thrilled to hear Queen Cougar announced. Cameras flasheand well-wishes were exchanged, as bright hopes for another successful reign floated in the air.
Just like that amusement ride, however, all was not over. San Francisco, as the Founding Mother Court, is unique in offering a bus ride to Colma on Sunday to visit the gravesites of José Sarria and the eccentric and historical figure Emperor Joshua Norton. We emceed this early morning event with Emperor Bradley Roberts, staying true to the established mix of history, ceremony, and whimsy. Around 100 people awoke early and joined this unique event at Woodlawn Cemetery. We returned to the host hotel for the final official event, Victory Brunch, and Ashlé and Afrika fulfilled their last responsibilities with flair and then surrendered the microphones to the newly Reigning Emperor John Brett & Reigning Regent Empress Queen Cougar! May they enjoy a successful year and continue our rich 60-year heritage! And may we all catch our breath after such an extraordinary roller coaster ride!
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
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on February 26, 2026
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