The International Imperial Court System, which was founded in 1965 and now has more than 68 chapters in cities across the USA, Canada and Mexico, will convene this coming weekend in San Diego for its sixth session of “Parliament,” a meeting of its governing body: the International Court Council (ICC) and San Diego’s 41st annual Coronation Gala, A Military Affair.
“The best way to describe the court system is that we are the Shriners and Elks of the GLBT community,” stated Emperor Rob Surreal, (Washington) ICC president.
The Imperial Court System was founded by World War II veteran Jose Julio Sarria who in 1961 became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office.
Empress I Jose ruled over the International Court System until 2007 when he stepped down and crowned his successor, Empress Nicole the Great who now reigns as the “Queen Mother I of the Americas.”
Nicole established Parliament so that each court chapter would have a voice and this weekend will be its sixth session that meets annually.
Under Nicole’s now 7-year reign more than $200,000 has been raised for the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the Harvey Milk Foundation and the Trevor Project by the many court chapters.
The International Court System has been the main force and leader in the national campaign to get the U.S. Postal Service to issue a stamp in honor of Harvey Milk.
Under Empress Nicole the Great’s leadership the International Court Council’s membership has greatly changed to now include more women (lesbian and straight), transgender people, doctors and businesspeople and more people of color.
State Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, Mayor Bob Filner and San Diego’s first lady Bronwyn Ingram, along with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and City Council President Todd Gloria will address the members of the International Court System.
“The entire GLBT community is invited to this Saturday’s Coronation Gala,” stated San Diego chapter president, Allan Spyere. “It will be an evening of outstanding entertainment, pageantry and your chance to show your appreciation for the decades of community service the Court of San Diego continues to do.”
Emperor Tom Dickerson, a leader in San Diego’s leather community and Empress Ajax will be stepping down as “monarchs” and popular local personality Candi Samples, who is general manager of the Revivals store, hopes to be elected.
Tickets are $45 and $65 at the door. Mission Valley Marriott Hotel, 8 p.m. sharp. For more information: 619-300-1232 or 619-254-6372.
