Empress XXVI

Reign XXVI of the Imperial Court of New York

From April 1, 2012 to April 6, 2013, I had the pleasure and the honor of reigning as Empress XXVI of New York, side by side with my Imperial Husband, Emperor XXI Ritz Kraka. Together, we and other members of our Court made more than 160 appearances in New York City and around the country. In the eighteen months between the time that I was elected and the time that I stepped down, I had the pleasure and honor of representing the Imperial Court of New York in Washington DC (twice), Las Vegas, San Diego (Twice), Connecticut (Twice), San Francisco (Twice), Rhode Island, Lexington, Kentucky (twice), Hamilton-Wentworth, Ontario, Austin TX, Anchorage AK and Portland OR. As I traveled the country, I made hundreds of new friends, picked up a few sisters and learned a lot about our great nation. The biggest takeaway came from towns like Lexington, Austin and Anchorage: tiny drops of deep blue in seas of political red. The gay communities in those towns were the most charming, most welcoming and most supportive of each other and every Blue State Big City would do well to take lessons from their sense of working together. I know I have.

Cocktails and Corsets

The ever popular Imperial Crown Prince Royal Ritz Kraka and I pose for a moment during cocktail hour at Night of a Thousand Gowns. We're probably on our way to the Opening Number by now!

Who's a Fool?

"We're all a little nuts, in case you didn't know." The 2012 Opening Number, "Welcome to Wonderland" directed by Empress X RanDee. We look forward to her 20th Opening Number in 2013...

The Final Walk.

The final presentation of the Imperial Crown Prince and Princess before our Coronation Processions. My coat was inspired by the Zack Toi outfit that Kirstie Alley wore on the runway in the fall of 2011. Jason's chain of office included our Reign Pin -- a few hours earlier than it officially existed! Whee!

Backstage Waiting.

The amazing coronation gown and cape was designed and constructed for me by Planet Pepper. The jewelry, by Christopher Crouch for MOANS.

The Inspiration.

The inspiration for my walk was Robin Wood's tarot deck. Here's the comparison between her Queen of Swords and my final look. I shared some photos with her after the fact, and to my amazement and great relief, she was thrilled and asked to share photos with her friends.

The Coronation

XXV crowns XXVI (on, and XX crowns XXI on the right.) It was a truly beautiful moment looking up at Pepper, hoping I could fill her shoes and seeing her eyes bring with tears. Later she told me how heavy the state crown is and that I should prepare before next year. Weight lifting, she said.

Our first Elevation

At brunch we elevated Duke Ian Flagrante to Prince. He was thoroughly embarrassed.

Sisters...

At the Victory Party with Empress Sissy St. Clair of San Francisco and The Dowager Swirl, Empress XXV Pepperica Swirl. Hey, we raised more than $800!

On the Avenue...

Fierce Green Suit by Planet Pepper.
Hat by glue gun.

Our First Outing!

The Annual Fifth Avenue Easter Parade and Brunch. Ritz and I are joined by (L-R), Prince Royal Nick E. Lodeon, Princess Royale Fanny Fondue, Viscountess Gaye Banter, Count Opi N. Yated, Countess Florence Nightingale, Duchess Gracie Steeles, Marquis Ty-Tanic, Viscount Jim Darling, Prince Royal Tree Sequoia, Viscountess Doris Dear, Countess Mistress Emma and Baroness Lisa Cougar Bacall.