It is with great jubilation and excitement that we introduce our Empress XXII Charlene Chivoe, who will henceforth be known as The Dixie Darling Empress of Democracy, Dreams and Disco.

Charlene’s humble beginnings lead us to the back roads of southern Mississippi, where the idea of one day being an empress was beyond imagination. However, history records that as a small lad he did raise several eyebrows on Halloween when he donned his mother’s latest fashions, high heels, and frosted wig and then knocked on neighbors’ doors calling, “Trick or treat!” His first performance as Charlene, as a junior in high school, also caused a scandal when, during his rendition of Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman,” his white halter top fell to the floor (along with his bust: green washcloths).

Fast forward to Charlene’s move to New York in 1990. While vacationing here, she realized she was at home with her first ride on a subway train and her first slice of New York pizza. Soon afterwards Charlene joined the Imperial Court of New York and now celebrates her 16th year with our organization.

As she stated in her election campaign, Charlene’s greatest reward has been the friendships has developed with fellow court members striving for one common goal: to make the lives of others more enjoyable — and royal.

A few highlights of Charlene’s 16 years with the Imperial Court of New York include: performing with Hearts & Voices in hospitals and HIV/AIDS housing facilities as well as at Symphony Space and Town Hall; serving as Hospitality Chair for Night of a Thousand Gowns; participating in Gay Games 1994; traveling to numerous cities within the International Court System; and over-the-top acting in our own balls’ celebrated opening numbers.

Charlene’s goals during her reign are to increase the visibility of the Imperial Court of New York within the gay community while reaching out to a wider public; to work with organizations that promote the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; and to promote awareness of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse within these communities.

There is a saying, “Sad is the man who lives a life but never lives.” As Empress XXII of the Imperial Court of New York, Charlene will live by her own version: