The Imperial Court of New York is a not-for-profit organization and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for more than a decade. The Imperial Court of New York has gained recognition in the tri-state area and in particular in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community as the most dazzling hard workers in the community. Through our fund-raising efforts we have been able to donate to:

  • AmFar's Treatment Registry
  • Bailey House
  • Body Positive
  • Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
  • Bronx AIDS Services
  • Center Kids Children’s
  • Hope Foundation
  • Friends for Life
  • Gay Games IV and Cultural Festival
  • Gay Games - Team New York
  • Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
  • Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
  • Gay Men of African Descent
  • Gender Identity Project
  • God's Love We Deliver
  • The Harvey Milk School at the Hetrick-Martin Institute
  • In The Life Television
  • Lambda Legal Defense Fund
  • The Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center
  • Long Island Gay and Lesbian
  • Youth Miracle House
  • National Lesbian and Gay Task Force
  • New York City Gay Men's Chorus
  • The NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
  • People With AIDS Coalition /New York (PWAC/NY)
  • PFLAG
  • Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE)

What Sets Us Apart From Everyone Else?

Besides the big hair, bigger jewels and the biggest regal attire we can find -- is our attitude. The glitz, glamour is how we have fun, but while having a fabulous time we open our hearts and our daily planners to ensure that people in our entire community have enough medical care, food, and shelter. We take care of our own!

The Imperial Court System Founder

There are now over 70 chapters in the Imperial Court System, founded by the visionary activist Jose Sarria in San Francisco over thirty-five years ago. Our Founder, known as Empress I Jose, the Widow Norton, is recognized around the world as one of the pioneers of the gay and transgender movements of modern times, and was honored at a symposium marking the centennial celebration of the gay movement in Berlin, Germany. Jose's legacy is part of the gay studies curriculum which is blossoming here in New York at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the City University of New York, as well as New York University and Columbia University. Adding to Jose's list of credits is "The Empress is a Man - Stories from the Life of Jose Sarria" written by M. R. Gorman. Viva! Empress I Jose.

Our Beginnings: A Night of a Thousand Gowns

The Imperial Court of New York kicked off their first reign at the Grand Ball Room of the Waldorf Astoria in 1987 with the coronation of The Atlas Empress of New York, Empress I Sybil, and the late Eagle Emperor I George Dudley at the very first Night of a Thousand Gowns. The first few years were turbulent and glamorous, and mirrored the plot of the popular TV series "Dynasty". (Perhaps our TVs were watching too much TV!)

The Court was reorganized in 1989, thanks to the efforts of Empress IV Camille Beauchamps, Empress V Razor Sharp, Empress VI Saleen, and Empress VII Coco LaChine. The late, great Imperial Majesties Camille, Razor and Saleen have left this earthly realm and are greatly missed. The Celestial Dragon Empress, Coco LaChine is currently Heir Apparent, Second in Line of Succession to Our Founder. Coco's visibility and tireless activism have made her one of New York's most popular and respected Drag Queens, and have insured the continued success of the Imperial Court of New York.

Our Present and Future

The New York reigns have continued with Emperor V Ron & Empress VIII Billie Ann, Empress IX Philomena, Emperor VI Steven & Empress X Ran-Dee, Emperor VII Tomas & Empress XI Gianna, Emperor VIII William & Empress XII Panzi, Emperor IX Chet & Empress XIII Anne Tique, Emperor X Gabriel Della Notte & Empress XIV Victoria V. Weston, Emperor XI Damian Valentino & Empress XV Fiona St. James, Emperor XII Mathius Bloussant & Empress XVI Lita Austin, and Emperor XIII Ron & Empress XVII Demi-Tasse.

The Night of a Thousand Gowns Coronation and Charity Ball is more than just a chance for hundreds of Drag Queens and our men -- who do not don dresses -- to show off their divine and dashing finery to friends and admirers. It is the culmination of a year of fund-raising and visibility for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and AIDS communities, spearheaded by our Monarchs. Even before their coronation, our Emperor and Empress have been hard at work, earning their titles and campaigning to become the duly elected Monarchs of New York. After their election in September by the Membership of the Court, and for the six months prior to the Coronation Ball, they serve as Imperial Crown Prince Royal and Imperial Crown Princess Royale.