With the Emperor and Empress Coronations finally aligned, the Imperial Court of San Francisco began to take on a clearer structure, but never lost its sense of fun, as evidenced by the results of the 1985 election when the Monarch Butterfly Emperor XIII, A.N., Ken Wright and the Galactica Absolute Empress XX Sissy Spaceout were crowned. They were known for their outrageous costumes and even had a spaceship lowered in from the ceiling during their step-down.
In 1986, out of a field of three emerged the Triple Crown Pegasus Emperor XIV, A.N., Matthew Brown and from a field of four, the 24 Karat Solid Gold Diamond Empress and Night Life of Leather Absolute Empress XXI Sable Clown. Sable shocked many of the old guard with her white face drag, but out of support for her creativity, Empress I Jose appeared at their Investiture in white face and Asian attire.
At that same Investiture, Matthew appeared as Julius Caesar and his Empress was carried on stage rolled up in a rug to be unrolled at the feet of the Emperor. These were financially astute and productive monarchs. Matthew produced Folsom Follies, which raised thousands to help those injured in motorcycle accidents. The duo produced one of the most successful Imperial Coronations with a net profit that established a firm financial footing for the Imperial Board for the very first time.
1987 saw the election of the Phoenix Emperor XV, A.N., Patrick McGonigle and the Gemstone Absolute Empress XXII Tina Tanner. Continuing the Imperial Court's strong ties to the Leather Community, Tina drove her motorcycle in that year's Pride Parade with Patrick as her buddy rider. In 1988, the Imperial Court embraced the earthquake history of San Francisco as the Shaky Quake Empire Emperor XVI, A.N. Steven Rascher and the Rhinestone Bullhorn Absolute Empress XXIII Lily Street joined City officials at the traditional annual ceremony at Lotta's Fountain, marking the April 18, 1906 disaster at precisely 5:12AM.
Their Investiture featured "Bowling for Titles" at the Japantown Bowling Center; yes, the higher the score, the higher the title! During their year, Lily drove Steven crazy with her shiny bullhorn and Steven started the now annual tradition of a fundraising turn-about night, when the Emperor appeared in drag, as well as "Boys Nights Out" and a Mr. and Ms. Alcatraz camp title. At their Coronation the monarchs had telephones on the dais connected to telephones at the premium guest tables.
The Reign of the Leather Lion Emperor XVII, A.N., Jerry Coletti and the 24 Karat Gold Absolute Empress Pat Montclaire set new standards across the International Court System for extensive travel, pompous splendor, and record-breaking fundraising. At their step-down in 1990, they astounded the audience with an elaborate Egyptian-themed entrance with Jerry and Pat carried on a litter by muscular men in loincloths. For the second act, Jerry flew in by wire from the second floor as Batman, a feat never repeated.
They were followed by the Friendship Emperor XVIII, A.N., Simeon Traw and the Silver Peacock Absolute Empress XXV Marlena, much beloved by the public and known for their matching outfits, created by Simeon himself. This was the first time an Emperor ran for the title unopposed.
Marlena later presided over the second bar ever named after an Empress, namely Marlena's, the first being Lily's, named after that Empress and run by her Emperor Steven Rascher.
In 1991, the first unopposed Empress candidate won her crown as the Crystal Absolute Empress XXVI Caresse alongside the Unicorn Emperor XIX, A.N., Michael Bowman, who defeated two opponents. Their Oz-themed step-down featured elaborately choreographed production numbers with many court participants.
1992 saw a return to leather traditions and light-hearted humor as the White Wolf Emperor XX, A.N., Douglass Stromberg and MOTZ the G.R.A.T.E. Absolute Empress XXVII Velveeta Mozzarella took the thrones. Her title was a wry play on words in response to Empress Nicole the Great of San Diego, widely respected and thought to be the next leader of the International Court System. Their Investiture eschewed pomp and ceremony, ending in a pizza party.
In 1993, the City elected the Midnight Spur Emperor XXI, A.N., David Nyberg and our first transgender Empress, the Diamond Absolute Empress XXVIII Jackie Reynolds. Theirs was the first Investiture held in the Rotunda of City Hall.
That year, the complex process of separation from the Tavern Guild and conversion to a separate non-profit organization began, resulting in the Imperial Council of San Francisco, advised by the Council of Emperors and the Council of Empresses, finally approved by the state in 1994 and federally in 1995.
1994 began what many refer to as "the golden years" of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, starting with the reign of the Nuts and Bolts Emperor and Empress, Emperor XXII, A.N., Chuck Adkins and Absolute Empress XXIX Anita Martini. Once again, Investiture took place in the Rotunda of City Hall shortly before the building was closed for retro-fitting and repairs after the earthquake of 1989. They were often referred to as the Barbie and Ken Monarchs because of their striking good looks and wholesome images.
In 1995, the Amethyst Harmony Emperor XXIII, A.N., Brian Benamati and the Ruby Absolute Empress XXX Donna Sachet ascended the throne, she being only the second unopposed Empress candidate in history. They traveled extensively, quickly becoming known for their genuine affection for each other and for their singing talents, performing all over the continent in musical duets.
1996 brought the 24 Caliber Emperor XXIV Steven Valone and the Uptown Glamazon Absolute Empress XXXI Cockatielia. He was manager of the popular Castro Station bar and she was well known for her elaborate costumes, choreographic skills, and theatrical performances.
In keeping with the separation from the Tavern Guild and its eventual dissolution, the Mr. and Miss Tavern Guild titles were retired that year, supplanted by Mr. and Miss Downtown and Mr. and Miss Uptown and eventually Mr. and Miss Golden Gate.
Next week, the Imperial Court enters a period of fast-paced change, youthful outreach, and challenging relevance, as this historic series continues. Once again, we give tremendous credit to the research and records of Emperor Matthew Brown and historian Paul Gabriel.