Imperial Court of Buffalo presents Coronation XIX The big event of the Imperial Court of Buffalo calendar is, assuredly, coronation.
The coronation weekend is upon us, so dust off your tiara it is impossible to overdress for this occasion. The Imperial Court system was started in San Francisco in 1965. It began as a source of camp merriment, with laughter derived from drag and facetious titles like “Empress,†“Emperor,†“Prince,†“Princess,†and so forth. Today, the court system extends across the globe, and includes a diverse membership of individuals from every sexual orientation and gender identification. (New York City’s “Night of a Thousand Gowns†is actually an Imperial Court event.) Moreover, “the court†long ago moved on from mere camp merriment to include an important agenda of community service and has raised huge sums for various health, human service, and cultural organizations. The Imperial Court of Buffalo was formed 19 years ago by Her Imperial Majesty, Founder of the Imperial Court of Buffalo, The Absolute Empress I & VII, Mimi LaRue. Today, tens of thousands of dollars to charity and hundreds of over-the-top ball gowns later, the fun and service continue. This weekend is the final weekend in the reign of Emperor 18 Chris Hempel and Empress 18 Vanity Vogue. A new reign begins, Saturday night. Members of the court system from throughout the nation will be descending on Buffalo for the fun and the fundraising. The court is always looking for new members—all upbeat, affirmative, service-minded yet fun-loving individuals are welcome. Coronation activities will be centered at the Adams Mark Hotel, but include other events at various local venues: Thursday, May 28: In Town Show at OHM Ultra Lounge, 948 Main Street. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 10pm.
Friday, May 29: Out of Town Show at Marcella Show Club & Lounge, 622 Main Street. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm. $10 admission.