The 2015 Golden Jubilee Imperial Court Dinner held at the classic and classy Hotel Sentinel in Portland, Oregon was elegant beyond even Washington DC standards! All Ladies, Gentlemen, Courtiers and Monarchs out did themselves in fabulous ” Worth-Style” gowns and Crown Jewels that rivaled any thing I have seen in the great palaces of Europe!
Dustin Lance Black, screen writer of the movie Milk, who now lives in London agreed! Currently writing a made for TV series about LBGT history, Dustin is featuring Empress One of San Francisco Jose Sarria, as the first true pioneer of diversity and LBGT rights, which paved the way for others such as Harvey Milk, Matthew Shepard and Stuart Milk.
It was Empress One Jose, the Widow Norton we were all gathered together in our finery to honor.
The roster was packed with every living Gay Icon and advocate we have including Dennis and Judy Shepard, The Reverend Troy Perry, The Hon. Toni G. Atkins CA Speaker of the Assembly, Dustin Lance Black, Cleve Jones, Founded of the NAMES Project AIDS quilt ( both compelling speakers) Council-member of San Diego Hon. Ted Gloria, Michael Connolly the 21 year old member of the Legislative-assembly, Alberta Canada and the always eloquent and dynamic ( and dear friend and co-Global Ambassador) Stuart Milk.
The grand Ballroom of the Sentinel was as opulent as Versailles, the richly elegant pre-dinner VIP reception Hall was flowing with champagne and tasty snacks, the staff of both venues flawless in service. I have seldom seen a ICS event flow so smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the intrepid Queen Mum Heir Dragon Empress Coco LaChine and her team ( how could we forget her pageant like entrance when announced at the dinner?)
But the true star of the evening was Nicole The Great, our Queen Mother!
Looking wonderful with splendid robes and cleavage dripping with jewels, Nicole was the epitome of a true Monarch in every since of the word– and I have met a few in my world travels over the decades.
Gracious and erudite she described our long and arduous journey in history and what the ICS really stands for. Omitting no one, she honored us all in so many moving ways behind the disbursements of broaches and medals (and those that were given out this year, including the Rose Court Rose broach were of unusual high quality).
Being in the same age group as Nicole I know well the rigors of having to stand or even sit for hours on a Diaz, in front of hundreds of people, always smiling and being strong while inside wanting nothing more than a cozy bed with a fireplace ( the hotel had one in each room) and a nice hot meal! Her Majesty had to sit on a throne and keep the ball rolling while we all ate the beautifully prepared 4 course dinner.
My husband Drue and I deeply appreciate and thank the Queen Mum for the additional titles as Czar and Czarina of The Golden State of California (despite the fact the plaque, with its typo said “of All the Americas”)
We were Crown Sponsors and we’re proud to donate to this memorable of all nights!
Jose would have loved the pomp, circumstance, opulence and pageantry so tastefully done!
The Gay AB FAB Liz and Lonnie once again celebrate Christmas at Hara’s Annual Christmas Fundraiser by raising funds for the less fortunate! The Dynasty Divas made the crowd laugh and feel good as Liz sent out Christmas love messages to Princess Janne of Finland, Princess Gypsy in Ohio and Beautiful New Girl-in-town Imogene in Australia!
