"Why be a queen, when you can be an empress?" That was the question Jos� Sarria asked after being named Queen of the 1965 Beaux Arts Ball. The man formerly known as the Nightingale of Montgomery Street answered his own question by proclaiming himself Empress I, Jos�.
The 1965 Beaux Arts Ball was the third annual drag ball held by the Tavern Guild of San Francisco. It was attended by over 500 people who risked being arrested by a line of police officers who blocked the entrance to the Winterland Ballroom. It was in response to these harsh realities that the Imperial Council of San Francisco was formed under the auspices of the Tavern Guild. Empress II, Bela, the first elected empress, was presented at the Beaux Arts Ball the following year.
Empress XVI, Pushy Phillis Don't'cha Know explained, "The Court, along with the bike clubs, the Tavern Guild and the SIR Center (Society for Individual Rights), was a forward leading organization in uniting the community, getting people together in groups. This was at a time when meeting in groups could cause a major scandal. Without them coming forward we may have never gotten as far with equality."
Gladys Bumps, a member since 1966 who holds the title of Czarina Day Camp, remembered, "They gave us a club where we could build a fantasy world where it didn't matter who you were outside. We built our society where everyone can be fabulous and even be royalty. We have a fun time, and we raise a lot of money to help the community."
By 2005, the "Mother Court" had raised over $1.5 million as a 501(c)(3) and boasted over 65 chapters throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States. Each year the reigning Emperor and Empress of San Francisco distribute tens of thousands of dollars to LGBT community-based charitable organizations. The causes they support have ranged from fighting 1970s anti-gay legislation to being a major source of funds and support at the height of the 1980s and 1990s AIDS crisis. Over the years they have also helped on a more personal level by raising funds when locals faced bashings, were displaced by fire, or had other urgent needs.
In 2008, under the reign of Empress XLIII Cher A Little and Emperor XXXVI John Weber, the organization and its volunteers raised approximately $50,000. When asked about the current monarchs, Weber commented, "Empress XLVI, Saybelline and Emperor XXXIX, Frankie are in the style of the old school and have been out partying with the people all over the city, and they've done a great job in raising funds."
Empress Saybelline Fernandez and Emperor Frankie Fernandez made San Francisco Imperial history by being the first couple to win the titles and reign together. When asked what the best part of their reign has been, Empress Saybelline said she enjoyed working with Miss and Mr. GAPA and coordinating events with them, but she and her husband most enjoyed the group of people they have met.
"We've drawn a younger group of people to the organization," she said. They stood by us from the beginning. We welcomed them in and started working toward the future." She didn't comment about the amount of money the organization raised this year, but rumors are if not it's not another $50k year, it's very close.
To find out more about the Imperial Council of San Francisco or even apply to be a candidate for Emperor or Empress, visit www.imperialcouncilsf.com and check out these events:
Feb 18: Election Day, at locations to be announced.
Feb 23: Anniversary Monarch's Reception, 5-7pm, Marlena's, 488 Hayes St.
Feb. 24: Jos� Honors Dinner, Out of Town show and Awards, Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post St. Dinner includes two hours of hosted bar.
Feb 25: Coronation XLVII "Everyday is a Parade." Doors open at 5pm, Design Center Galleria, 101 Henry Adams St.
Feb 26: Annual pilgrimage to Joshua Norton's gravesite with the Widow Norton. Bus leaves from Marlena's at 8:30am.
Feb. 26: Victory Brunch, 11:30am, Hotel Kabuki, tickets $25.
Feb. 26: Texas/Alaska Victory Show, 3pm Marlena's
Feb. 27: Hawaii Victory Party, 4pm, Divas, 1081 Post St.