The Imperial Court System is the second largest LGBTQ organisation (only surpassed by the Metropolitan Community Church. It is a grassroots network of organizations that works to build community relationships for equality and raise money for charitable causes through the production of annual Gala Coronation Balls that invite an unlimited audience of attendees to be presented at Royal Court in their fanciest attire.
It was originally designed as a forum for “campy fun.” with titles of “Emperor”, “Empress”, “Prince”, and “Princess” nevertheless it doesn’t , undermine the objectives and raises tens of thousands of dollars for local, regional, national, and even some international charitable causes.
It all started back in1965, José Sarria proclaimed herself the Empress of San Francisco, and laid the foundation for the formation of the Imperial Court de San Francisco. Today, the International Court System (ICS) has over 65 chapters in the United States, Canada and Mexico and the International Imperial Court System celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a gala state dinner, The Golden Jubilee in Portland, Oregon, headed by the Titular Head of the International Imperial Court System, Queen Mother I of the Americas, Nicole Murray Ramirez.
Artist Ben Fink has produced a whole body of work following and documenting the various international Imperial Courts of the Americas. He captures the fascinating world of the people drawn to having a great deal of fun dressing up whilst assuming a more serious purpose (community-oriented fundraising, This has been the subject of his new book, “Noble Deeds: Mythic Portraits of the Imperial Court”, which is the first to showcase the pageantry and philanthropy of one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations. Made over a period of 7 years, “Noble Deeds” captures numerous iconic personalities through various dream-like images. The release will celebrate 60 years of the Imperial Court’s work and unparalleled LGBTQ+ activism.
It will be the subject of The Imperial Sun Court of all Florida exhibition that opens in January at the Stonewall Museum and Library in January . The opening reception will feature a book launch of Fink’s newest work, a book signing, and discussion where Fink will detail his inspiration and the stories behind his art. Copies of the book will be sold during the evening.
: January 16th, 2025 6pm-8pm EST 1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 |