about

TheGay/LesbianInternational Imperial Court System is a social community service organization born over 30 years ago in San Francisco by it's founder Empress Jose "The Widow" Norton. From it's campy and entertaining inception we derived the regal titles of "Emperor" and "Empress" and began our journey to further gay rights and positive recognition on an international level . Most major cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico have an Imperial Court in their community. In California alone there are over 30 courts. Each "Empire" is considered an entity of TheGay/LesbianInternational ImperialCourtSystem.

It is our tradition to begin each year with the gala event, "The Coronation." Each chapter of TheInternational ImperialCourtSystem, or "Sister Court," begins it's fiscal year at varying times, dependent on it's date of origin. Therefore, "Coronations" occur every month throughout the calendar year. This event is designed for the purpose of electing qualified candidates for the position of "Emperor" and/or "Empress." The evening's festivities include: 1)voting during designated hours for the candidates; 2)presentations of the aspirants; 3)presentation of visiting "Monarchs," "Sister Courts" and visiting "Dignitaries;" 4)"Command Performances" by special request of the "Monarchs" stepping down from their present positions; 5)a special "Command Performance" for a charitable organization; 6)presentation of awards to persons and organizations for exceptional contributions to charities and/or the gay/lesbian community; and finally, 7)the announcement of the new Monarchs to preside over the "Court" or "Empire" for one year.

The responsibilities of the new "Monarchs" include, but are not limited to: 1) A seat on the Board of Directors for that "Empire;" 2) Holding fundraisers for charitable purposes; 3) To participate positively in community affairs; 4) To educate the willing in the art of acceptance and tolerance; and 5) To cultivate goodwill with "Sister Empires" by supporting their efforts and attending coronations.

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