Donna Sachet–
As promised in our last column, the calendar of the Imperial Court of San Francisco is in full swing. Candidate for Emperor Brent Marek and candidate for Empress Ehra Amaya have been hosting parties, fundraisers, and meet-and-greets in preparation for voting next Saturday, February 19, in the three locations and at the times detailed in our adjacent calendar.
This annual voting process has roots in the nascent LGBT civil rights era, when our very existence was illegal, our gathering places were under siege, and glimmers of hope and self-respect were few and far between. A popular drag performer at the always busy Black Cat bar in North Beach began to wield political power by rallying that maligned and persecuted population into a community. That person was the Founder of the Imperial Court, José Sarria. With wit and whimsy, she was instrumental in opening the eyes of LGBT people to their potential power through unity and to the great surprise of many declared her candidacy in 1961 for Supervisor of the Board of San Francisco, claiming her place as the first openly Gay candidate for public office in the country.
After that election, which she did not win, but in which she garnered a remarkable number of votes, the City of San Francisco and particularly the power brokers sat up and paid attention. After being crowned Queen of the colorful annual Beaux Arts Ball in 1964, she stated: “I am already a Queen, I’ll be an Empress!”
If that were not enough, José Sarriaannounced that her reign as Empress would end after one year and that a public election would be held every year so that we could decide who would reign next. Yes, the early Imperial Court reflected European royalty with all its traditions, pageantry, and protocol, but this elected Empress would serve as a lightning rod for the community, raising money for charitable causes, focusing the ongoing agenda and priorities, and serving as a ceremonial leader.
Within seven years, we were also electing an Emperor of San Francisco, and after several more years, other California cities joined us in forming chapters of their own. Now, over 50 years later, the International Court System has over 70 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, raises money for a wide variety of charitable causes, hosts countless creative events, and continues to unify the LGBT Community under the leadership of visionary leaders, not least of whom is Nicole Murray-Ramirez, Queen Mother I of the Americas.
We share this brief, but tantalizing, recap of the Imperial Court’s history in order to put these upcoming Imperial events in proper context. Reigning Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & Reigning Empress Juanita MORE! follow a long line of elected monarchs and have served their community admirably. For over 50 years, we have never lacked for candidates and no Emperor or Empress has ever served multiple reigns.
At Imperial Coronation of Saturday, February 26, a new Emperor & Empress will be crowned and this remarkable tradition will continue. For a more complete picture of who we are and what we do, we highly recommend the award-winning documentary film 50 Years of Fabulous: The Imperial Council Story, available to stream on Amazon Prime and Vimeo. We know you will be amazed, amused, and aghast at the historical journey, contributions, and struggles of this formidable organization.
Beyond the packed Imperial calendar, San Francisco continues its gradual emergence from these two years of isolation and restriction. Drop by the first Divas & Drinks event of 2022 in partnership with the San Francisco Bay Times at The Academy and celebrate the birthday of Carolyn Wysinger, SF Pride’s President, as she updates us on upcoming plans. Enjoy the musical mixing talents of DJ Rockaway,some fabulous Bacardi specialty drinks, and a good-natured Name That Tune competition between SF Gay Softball League and The Village People teams. And as you make your personal decisions about returning to social engagement, do so with proven scientific information, genuine appreciation, and enthusiastic revelry!
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
Thursday, February 10
Divas & Drinks
3 floors & a patio of fun
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$10
Sunday, February 13
John Weber’s Showdown
Krewe de Kinque & Ducal Council joint fundraiser
Performances, competition, fundraising
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street
4–8 pm
Free!
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
Step-down of Emperor Mr. David Glamamore &
Empress Juanita MORE!
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 February 10, 2022
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