by caleb rainey
“The ICSD has been theseed moneyfor such organizations as The Center, Being Alive, Pride, Mama’s Kitchen and more.”
The Imperial Court de San Diego (ICSD) has
often provided funding for much-needed resources in San Diego and other local communities. This Feb- ruary the Court will be celebrating the coronation of the new Empress and Emperor and the closing of Empress Candi Samples’ reign. She was able to man- age successfully without an Emperor by her side.
BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE UPCOMING CELEBRATION, A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON IS CALLED FOR:
The Court was founded by José Julio Sarria, also
known as “The Widow Norton,” and San Diego’s very own Nicole Murray Ramirez. Empress Candi Samples commented that “our founder, José Julio Sarria, a veteran of World War II, entered gay history in the 1940s, when be began to fill in for his boyfriend, Jimmy Moore, as a waiter at The Black Cat bar in San Francisco.” Since its inception, the Court has been an entirely
volunteer-run organization that has offered seed money for many major LGBT institutions in San Diego. The Court has been particularly important in supporting our youth, ensuring that vital health services are available to lesbians and for those affected by HIV. Empress Samples let us know for instance that “The ICSD has been the seed money for such organizations as The Center, Being Alive, Pride, Mama’s Kitchen and more.” During Empress Samples’ reign alone, the Imperial Court de San Diego was able to raise an astounding $80,000 for our community. This year’s coronation will take place over an
entire weekend that is filled with spectacular events, gorgeous locations and, of course, regal costumes. Visitors are expected from all over the country and the coronation itself will be held at the historic Lafayette Hotel.
In the words of Candi Samples, “It gives us a
chance to showcase our wonderful city and visitors can see first hand what we are about, not just the regal dress, which is a fantasy we play.” Indeed, some may dismiss the court as mere jesters in the LGBT community, but in fact, they are a royal force for good.
14 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2014
PEOPLE’S BALL CORONATION XLII CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS
Not only does the Court raise needed funds, they also provide visibility, vital for community members who are oftentimes marginalized in other spaces. And perhaps most importantly, the Court provides a proverbial home for all the lost “children” in our community, crowning them princes and princesses in their own right. When asked about where she wants to see the
Court go next, Empress Samples states, “I would like to see them follow and build upon the foundation I have built. My court and I have changed the way things have been, we want to make it more interest- ing to all our community. I would like to see more membership and new ideas for a new era, letting the
community know this is an organization for all.” There are many colors in the LGBT rainbow and the
Court has every hue represented in its organization. If you would like to experience this royal affair, sure to rival any Super Bowl party, here are the details: The People’s Ball Coronation XLII will be held at The Lafayette Hotel on Saturday, February 8, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for general seating and $75 for patrons. Attire is “Regal, Gowns & Uniforms” and the event is sure to be a ball, in both senses!
For more information about the Imperial Court de San Diego, or to purchase tickets to the People’s Ball Coronation XLII go to
imperialcourtsandiego.com.
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