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 2005–2009.
2005–2006
The 33rd Royal House of New Beginnings and Old Traditions
Grand Duke XXXII Robert Charles Romanoff (deceased)
Colors: black, blue, silver
Symbol: black leather panther
Favorite Saying: “Dirt”
Grand Duchess XXXIII Colette Le Grande
Colors: pink, purple, silver
Symbol: platinum brick
Favorite Saying: “Dust”
Coronation Theme: “The Royal Family Returns from Exile”
This Royal House consisted of Regent Monarchs. What is a Regent Monarch, you may ask? A Regent Monarch is someone—usually from within the organization appointed by the Council—who ensures that the current year’s Monarchy runs successfully until the New Monarchs are elected.
2006–2007
The 34th Royal House of Million Mirrors and Broadway Lights
Grand Duke XXXIII Brian Busta
Colors: ruby and diamond
Symbol: shiny disco ball
Grand Duchess XXXIV Renita Valdez
Colors: purple, gold, red
Symbol: burrito bombshell
Coronation Theme: “A Grand Winter Ball at the Hermitage”
Grand Duke Brian Busta is an extremely talented individual. During his reign, Brian would not only design and make their reign’s gay pride float, but he would also design and make their coronation step-down sets. Brian and Renita would perform a Wizard of Oz themed number, for which they received standing ovations. Renita shared, “I told Brian, this is your year to shine, seeing that this was my second time around as Grand Duchess.”
During their reign they would support one of Brian’s best friends, Anaconda, who ran a monthly monster show at the Cinch that featured a great cast and unusual performances. Along with the 33rd Royal House, Grand Duke Brian and Grand Duchess Renita would work together to bring The Grand Ducal Council to the forefront of community news once again. They crowned the 35th Royal House, which expanded the Ducal Council that brought in the House of Glitter.
2007–2008
The 35th Royal House of the Positive Court of Rubies and Diamonds
Grand Duke XXXIV Oliver with a Twist
Colors: ruby and diamond
Symbol: ruby cock
Grand Duchess: XXXV Big D (deceased)
Colors: red and white
Symbol: 36 karat diamond
Coronation Theme: A Tale of Three Russian Cities”
Grand Duchess Big D was one of the most beloved Grand Duchesses within the organization and within our community. Big D was renowned for her skill as a seamstress. She was also a spectacular wig designer and make-up artist in the LGBTQI+ communities with both Imperial and Ducal Monarchs often presenting her designs and talents at drag shows, fundraisers, coronations, and at other events.
2008–2009
The 36th Royal House of the Abzolute Latin Duke and the Native American Golden Goddess of Glitter
Grand Duke XXXV Carlos Medal Romanoff
Colors: blue, black, red
Always Saying: “I am innocent and angelic”
Grand Duchess: XXXVI Landa Lakes
Color: royal blue
Symbol: sunshine, leather flag, rainbow medicine wheel
Favorite Saying: “Let’s not wear the crowns”
Coronation Theme: “Russian Booty or Treasure Chest”
This reign would anchor the Grand Ducal Council into years of prosperity and community service, which still remain to date as a pillar of sustainability within LGBTQI+ communities.
Grand Duchess Landa Lakes is the Mother of the House of Glitter. She is a Chickasaw writer, musician, activist, and artist. She founded drag performance groups in San Francisco, including the Two-Spirit Native American drag troupe, the Brush Arbor Gurlz, and the creative and campy House of Glitter. She is also the West Coast Mother of the Vogue House of Lauren, International, and is the recipient of the national pageant title Jewel of the Galaxy. Her notable honors include the New York Fresh Fruit Festival Performance Award and the KQED LGBT Local Hero Award. She has served on the Grand Ducal Council Executive Board, and has received many awards within the council for her service,
Landa Lakes served many years as Co-Chair of the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) and remains on the Board. Landa has chaired the BAAITS Two-Spirit Powwow protocol committee since its creation 12 years ago. She also co-founded the Weaving Spirits Native Art Festival. It is noted that Grand Duke Carlos Medal Romanoff and Grand Duchess Landa Lakes were the very last Royal House to have their coronation at the famous Cathedral Hill Hotel on Van Ness before it was torn down.
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. Don’t miss 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 6, 2023
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