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 who 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 1989–1993.
1989–1990
The 17th Royal House of The Golden Falcon and The Platinum Brick
Grand Duke XVI Bruce Harrelson (deceased)
Colors: gold and blue
Symbol: golden falcon
Favorite quote: “We need to amend the constitution.”
Grand Duchess XVII Collette LeGrande Ashton
Colors: silver and purple
Symbol: platinum brick
Always saying: “Don’t go there.”
Coronation theme: “Karnival in Kiev – A Russian Mardi Gras”
The 17th Royal House ushered in Grand Duchess Collette LeGrand-Ashton. LeGrand has made a long-lasting impact on the Grand Ducal Council. Her dedication is as strong as her chosen title of “Platinum Brick,” as she chose this title in cheeky reference to the overinflated titles monarchs usually bestow upon themselves as they step-up. Her dedication would eventually lead to serving on the Board, as Prime Minister, Heir Apparent, and on the Executive Board. She would also serve a second time as Grand Duchess in the 33rd Royal House, and was part of the unforgettable trio of Donna Persona, Mark Nassar, and LeGrande. They were the writers of the immersive play Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, which dramatized the August 1966 riot of transgender women that began in Gene Compton’s Cafeteria three years prior to Stonewall. Grand Duchess XVII is a legend within the LGBTQ community and beyond, and you will learn more about her here in the months to come.
1990–1991
The 18th Royal House of The Leather Teddy Bear and The Chiffon Swan
Grand Duke XVII Mr. Eddie (deceased)
Colors: blue and silver
Symbol: teddy bear
Grand Duchess XVIII Davida
Colors: red, gold, purple
Symbol: chiffon swan
Coronation theme: “From Renaissance to Glasnost: A Russian Fantasy”
Grand Duchess XVIII Davida touts that her reign’s court was the first and only one to have held its coronation at the world-famous Bimbo’s 365 Club. The coronation sold out, so standing-room-only tickets were offered and they sold out too!
1991–1992
The 19th Royal House of Lighting and Fire
Grand Duke XVIII Michael Vaticano
Colors: black and blue
Symbol: black stallion
Grand Duchess XIX Hel’n Back (deceased)
Colors: red and black
Symbol: pitchfork
Always saying: “I don’t do anything traditional.”
Coronation theme: “An Afternoon in New York, An Evening in Moscow”
1992–1993
The 20th Royal House of The Mallard Quill and The Golden Bell
Grand Duke XIX Joe Shore
Symbol: leather duck
Grand Duchess XX Barbie Q Hayes
Symbol: petticoat tourist
Coronation Theme: “Moscow is Burning- A 20 Year Extravaganza”
Many of the Ducal Court’s former monarchs have been well-known public figures outside of drag. This was the case with the reign of XX Barbie Q Hayes. She was a recipient of two Emmy Awards for the work she did on PBS. The Grand Ducal Council is so very proud of all of its past and current monarchs!
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 ($80) will go on sale from March 1, 2023–August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. Save the dates then both for your ticket purchases and for this once-in-a-lifetime historic event! https://www.sfducal.org/
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 February 9, 2023
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