By Kippy Marks—
Viva Commotion—known to many as Lito Wilson—has become one of those rare figures whose influence can be felt long before they arrive. His work moves through the LGBTQI+, BIPOC, and marginalized communities like a bright current, connecting people who might never have crossed paths and reminding them that joy is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
Her Most Absolute Supreme Majesty Queen Mother Viva Commotion is a community advocate, entertainer, faither leader, and Founder of The Barony Foundation of California. Viva is also known as Bishop Monolito “Lito” Green-Wilson.
Whether he is uplifting performers, organizing charitable efforts, or amplifying voices that deserve center stage, Viva’s impact radiates outward with intention and care. As a steward within the Barony, Viva has helped shape spaces where tradition and innovation coexist. He brings a cultural fluency that honors lineage while opening doors for new storytellers, new leaders, and new forms of expression.
His leadership is not about spotlight; it’s about scaffolding. He builds structures that allow others to rise, thrive, and be seen. His charitable work is equally rooted in purpose. Viva understands that community care requires more than enthusiasm; it requires consistency, followthrough, and the willingness to show up even when the applause has faded. He has supported fundraisers, benefit shows, and grassroots efforts that directly serve LGBTQI+ youth, BIPOC artists, and neighbors navigating hardship. His approach is simple: if someone needs help, he finds a way to mobilize people who can provide it.
What makes Viva Commotion a defining example of PMLE (Practice Makes Love Easy) is his ability to turn celebration into service. He knows that movement can be healing, that performance can be a form of advocacy, and that gathering people together—especially those who have been historically pushed to the margins—creates a kind of collective strength that cannot be replicated any other way. His work reminds us that community is not an abstract concept; it’s a practice, a rhythm, a commitment.
As the twentieth individual to be recognized in this column, Viva embodies the PMLE mission by showing that love becomes easier when we choose to share it boldly. Their legacy is one of uplift, cultural stewardship, and joyful activism—proof that when we move with purpose, we make room for others to move with freedom.
Kippy Marks: How long have you been involved with the practicing of PMLE values in your work?
Viva Commotion: I have practiced the values of love, acceptance, and service for most of my life. I entered ministry at 15 years old, and since then, my work has centered on creating spaces where people—especially Black, LGBTQIA+ and marginalized individuals—feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether I am serving through ministry, producing community events, performing as Viva Commotion, or leading The Barony Foundation of California, love remains at the heart of everything I do.
Kippy Marks: Who or what motivated you to become the community activist you are today?
Viva Commotion: My life experiences motivated me. I know what it feels like to be rejected, misunderstood, and made to believe that you do not belong. I also know the power of someone showing up for you when you need it most. Losing my mother at 17, becoming a young parent, surviving personal hardships, and witnessing the struggles within the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities taught me that love must be more than something we talk about; it must become something we demonstrate.
I have also been inspired by courageous community leaders and elders, including Marsha P. Johnson and my drag mentor, Dorian Corey. Their examples taught me that activism can wear many faces. It can look like marching, mentoring, fundraising, performing, feeding people, or simply refusing to let someone feel invisible.
Kippy Marks: Tell us more about that early time in your life.
Viva Commotion: I was around 15 years old when I first made the decision to serve others through ministry. However, activism became deeply personal to me as I entered adulthood and began facing life’s challenges. By 18, I was raising two children and had already endured experiences that forced me to grow up quickly. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to become the kind of person I once needed—someone who listens, encourages, protects, and creates opportunities for others.
Kippy Marks: What advice would you give to others on how to practice love on the daily?
Viva Commotion: Begin with the people directly in front of you. Listen without preparing a response. Offer grace before judgment. Check on the person who has grown quiet. Give someone a compliment. Support a community business. Apologize when you are wrong, and forgive when you are ready.
Practicing love does not require a title, a large platform, or a lot of money. Sometimes love is simply being present. We should also remember to practice love toward ourselves. We cannot continually pour from an empty cup. Resting, setting boundaries, and protecting our peace are also acts of love.
Kippy Marks: If you were granted two universal wishes, what would you wish for?
Viva Commotion: My first wish would be for every person—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or economic status—to experience genuine equality, safety, and dignity.
My second wish would be that no child or young person ever feel unwanted, unloved, or forced to face homelessness simply because of who they are. Every young person deserves a safe home, supportive adults and the freedom to become everything God created them to be.
Kippy Marks: Please share any current practices that our readers may find useful, and update us on what you are doing now.
Viva Commotion: One practice I have embraced is asking myself a simple question each day: “How can I make someone’s burden lighter today?” The answer does not always require a grand gesture. It might mean sharing information, making a phone call, offering encouragement, creating a safe space, or connecting someone with a resource.
After completing recent medical treatments and navigating a serious health scare, I realized that it was time to strengthen my foundation and return to my first love—ministry—while still holding on to my fabulousness. Who says faith and fabulousness cannot exist together?
I am currently continuing my work as Queen Mother Viva Commotion and leading The Barony Foundation of California as we renew, refresh, and restore our commitment to the community. We are developing fundraisers, celebrations, and outreach programs that support LGBTQIA+ people, people of color, youth, and other underserved communities. I am also continuing my creative work through theatre, film, and live entertainment, using storytelling as another vehicle for healing, representation, and change.
My current practice is to lead with love, remain teachable, and create room at the table for others. Practice really does make love easier—but we must choose to practice it every day.
Dubbed San Francisco’s “King of Strings,” Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Practice Makes Love Easy
Published on September 24, 2026
Recent Comments