| KENNY MEALER CANCER AWARENESS FUND This fund was established in 1997, named after the ISCS 1st and 6th Emperor Ken, who passed away from Cancer. This raises monies for various Cancer research and awareness causes to help those who may be susceptible, education for self checkups, research for possible cures and / or manageability, exams and training. |
The History starts in the 1940's as Jose Julio Sarria entered gay history when he began to cover for his then boyfriend Jimmy, a waiter at the Black Cat Bar on Montgomery Street in San Francisco. In Post WW II, an influx of gay and lesbian discharged veterans was swelling in the city's gay communities. While the Castro was still a primarily Hetero, blue collar neighborhood, the Black Cat had already developed an international reputation as a gay meeting place. One Day, while Jose was serving drinks and the pianist was playing Bizet's "Carmen", Sarria began to sing arias to the opera. Soon, he became a big hit and his reputation was born. Here is a general bibliography of JOSE SARRIA; Pioneering GLBTQ social activist and founder of the Royal Court System (RCS), recently renamed the International Court System (ICS). Also know as “Her Royal Majesty, Empress José the First” and “The Widow Norton.” José Sarria was born December 12th, 1923 and raised in San Francisco, CA. His mother, Maria Dolores, and father, Julio Sarria, were Latino/a immigrants. José served in the Army from 1942 to 1947. He was trained as a cook at Fort Ord and spent two years in Berlin at the end of World War II as a personal attaché to a colonel. He was discharged in 1947 but stayed in the Reserves until his mid-thirties. After leaving the Army, José returned to San Francisco and shortly thereafter became employed at the Black Cat Cafe as first a cocktail waiter, then a social hostess, and eventually as a female impersonator (and bar icon) doing parodies of operas. While not a gay bar in a contemporary sense, the Black Cat was a widely know as a bohemian type hangout where people with apparently different sexual sensibilities were accepted and often admired. José very much considered the Black Cat a place where he could be himself, had an agreement with the owner that he would only perform there (exceptions were made for charitable events), and would work there from 1947 until it lost liquor license and closed in 1964. Rejecting what he saw as a secretive focus to the Mattachine Society, José and his friends created the League for Civil Education in 1960. It was a grass roots civil rights group that set out to educate both gay and straight people about police raids and to provide emergency funds to those being discriminated against. As a founding member of this group, and in response to continued efforts to revoke the Black Cat’s liquor license and the harassment of other gay owned businesses, José became the first openly gay candidate for an elected office in the United States. In 1961 he ran for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. José lost the election and it would not be until 1977 that an openly gay individual (Harvey Milk) would finally win a seat on the board. In 1963 the group split over internal conflicts and José helped found a new group called the Society for Individual Rights (SIR). Monies for the SIR ware largely raised from staging drag shows, such as the “Celebritycapades,” with these funds often being used to help people having legal problems. Both the educational and the charitable foci of these groups would become important aspects of the RCS José would found just a few years later. In 1964, The Tavern Guild, an association of gay bars, at their annual Beaux Arts Ball held every Halloween conferred upon José the honorary title of “Queen of the Ball.” Apparently the title was not regal enough for him—after all, being a queen in this context was somewhat common—so he declared himself, “Empress José the First.” This would become the Royal Court Systems first official position. To further support his status of empress, and reflecting the importance of camp in the RCS/ICS, José added the subtitle of “The Widow Norton.” Joshua Norton lived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Once a prominent merchant in the community, he had fallen on economic hard times and began referring to himself as, “Joshua Norton the First, Emperor of North America and Protector of Mexico.” Whereas many cities would have ignored his proclamation, the media and the leaders and citizens of San Francisco found him quite amusing and literally treated him like royalty with him receiving free meals wherever he went and a yearly clothing stipend from the city. Emperor Norton died around the turn of the century and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery. José , the loving Widow Norton, holds an annual memorial service for his departed husband every year. Beginning in the early 1980’s, the annual service became a more somber event and also started to be memorial for all those lost to AIDS in the court community. The Royal Court System was officially founded in 1965 and represents one of the oldest GLBTQ groups in the world still in existence. Today ICS is made up 65 local chapters called courts (57) and baronies (8). Positions in these local chapters, and throughout the court system, are designated by campy titles such as empress, emperor, princess, prince, duchess and duke. Titleholders are expected to dress their gendered parts replete with typically regal attire and appropriate accouterments (e.g., tiaras, scepters, gowns, tuxedos). With a few notable exceptions, most female titles are held by gay drag queens while male titles are held by both gay men and lesbian women. Those holding the female titles, especially that of empress, often are the most powerful individuals and promoted as the leaders of the given court. While lesbian women have traditionally participated in the court in much smaller numbers than gay men, many gay court members have died from AIDS over the past fifteen years, and lesbians today seem to be taking on a more prominent role in some of the courts. Consistent with its beginnings, each court serves as a charitable organization for those in need in the community (both gay and straight). Today, many of the monies raised go towards various organizations associated with AIDS. Drags shows are the primary place where money is collected (often a single dollar at a time) given to the performers while on stage. The ICS raises millions of dollars each year and is one of the most successful charities in many communities (gay and straight). In spite of the frequent rejection of drag queens by more conservative members of various gay and lesbian communities, the ISC has served as a vitally important lifeline to many GLBTQ people in cities throughout North America and now Great Britain. José’s legacy in the ISC will live on long after he passes away. In the 1950's Gay men and women were arrested on a number of charges used to keep homosexuals in the closet and hidden. Against this oppression, Jose would change the lyrics of his arias to warn people of the entrapment practices of the police first coining the phrase "There is nothing wrong with being Gay, the crime is getting caught" and "United we stand, Divided they get us one by one". Police pressures, entrapment schemes, and raids continued in the 50's when the gay bars developed an association to spread warnings about the oppression. In 1961, Jose became the very first openly gay candidate to run for public office, seeking the position as city supervisor, a position held 16 years later by an openly gay Harvey Milk. Although Sarria did not win in 1961, he did garner an impressive 5,600 votes and sparked a change in the voting laws allowing for votes by ward, not city wide. This allowed for minority candidates to win election, hence the arrival of Harvey Milk in 1977. In early 1965, Sarria and various gay bar owners put on the first "Drag Ball" of which Sarria was named "Queen of the Ball". At this, "she" exclaimed "Why be a QUEEN when I can be an EMPRESS?". So he proclaimed himself Empress of San Francisco. To further enhance the title, he drew upon the legend of Emperor Norton, the eccentric 19th century San Francisco miner and rice baron. During his lifetime, he dressed finely and proclaimed himself Emperor of the USA and Canada and protector of Mexico. Heir in spirit and not by law, Jose proclaimed himself "The Widow Norton" and began annual pilgrimages to Norton's grave in nearby Colma where he and accompanying drag queens would pay their respects with flowers to Sarria's departed "spouse". This tradition continues to this day. Eventually the "Ball" , now changed to "Coronation", sparked an annual event marking the election of Empress and Emperor. Jose developed bylaws and functions of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, a group that sought, through drag shows and other functions, to raise monies for gay charities. By the early 70's, the Court System established by Sarria has been franchised to first Vancouver BC, and then Portland, and eventually Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Everett, Vancouver and Spokane. Over the next 30 years, individual courts, under the guidance of Widow Norton, "Mama" as she is called, have spread to over 70 areas, some cities, some entire states. While the courts avoid, by ruling, partisan politics, they funnel thousands and thousands of dollars into community charities, as a strong grassroots organization interlinked by monarchs attending the annual coronation balls of other courts and now expanding to the Internet. Jose will remain active, but has recently descended the throne (See Below) & still resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is truly a hero and role model for all of us. For more information about International Affiliates, please go to WWW.IMPCOURT.ORG As of February 2007 - I thus proclaim that the line of succession to Empress I Jose and ALL its heirs is being retired and will no longer exist because my succession is being fulfilled by Empress Nicole the Great. No past heir to me can ever use or be announced with their former title or position after 17 February 2007. It can only be announced at her or his state funeral or at mine. Furthermore, Empress Nicole the Great will now name new heirs and create new council. As Empress Nicole the Great assumes my duties, obligations and authority as the titular leader and Queen Mother of these three great nations, she is to be accorded all the rights and respect that she has earned in her over 35 years of serving our court system and fighting for the equality of all people. I look forward to seeing all my children in Seattle on 17 February 2007 and to the continued growth and success of the International Court System I remain yours forever, Mama Empress I Jose, The Widow Norton Founder, International Court System |
| *** Official Statement **** Empress Nicole the Great President, International Court Council *U.S.A. * Canada * Mexico Queen Mother of the Americas As our International Court System is about to begin another era of service and noble deeds, our beloved founder, Empress I Jose, The Widow Norton, in all her wisdom, has felt it is time to pass on the leadership to a new generation so that we can together take this international organization into its proper place in this, the 21st Century. My noble sisters and brothers, it is time for changes and a new beginning. I thus proclaim this next decade one of a true "Renaissance" period that all are invited to participate and give voice to. The final decree of Empress I Jose retiring all her heirs and passing on all her "duties, obligations and authority" to me is indeed a big responsibility which I take with the utmost of humility. After consultation with our Council's corporate attorney and legal advisors, I thus officially announce that the current Council and officers are to continue for 30 days in an "interim position" as we go through this transition. I further decree that upon my formal resignation as President of the International Council, an interim President will be elected in Seattle. I hope within 30 days to name a new line of succession and heirs that will reflect the true diversity of our GLBT community. The fact that there is not one lesbian or transsexual on our current Council is totally unacceptable to me. And, that there is a lack of younger members of a different generation and only one African-American is also of concern. During my stay in Seattle, I will meet privately with the current Council members and heirs to evaluate their record and productive involvement on the Council...or the lack there of. Empress Panzi of New York will be contacting each Council member to arrange a "private tea with the Queen" at my suite. Communication and information is one of the greatest voids within this council and organization, thus I am announcing the appointment of Empress Christy of Texas as the Council's interim corresponding secretary. And, from this day forth, all courts will receive the minutes of every International Court Council meeting. I am also reestablishing the "International Court Communiqué" and have appointed Emperor Chris Horton as its Editor-in-Chief. Our International Court's web page must also be greatly improved. As Queen Mother of the Americas, I am establishing an Imperial Cabinet with Ministers to advise and assist me. Thus, I have appointed well-known corporate executive Emperor Rick Ford as the Prime Minister of my Cabinet. I heard your voices, concerns and suggestions coming from our First International Court Conference held in Palm Springs and chaired by Emperor Larry of Reno. I have directed the conference's facilitator, Mr. Russell Roybal of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) to give an official report on the conference and he will be flying in from Washington, D.C. to Seattle. I hope to announce another conference this year with the theme International Court Conference II Renaissance 2007. I wish to also extend my hand in loyalty and support to the Courts of Canada who I have always felt are not always given the recognition and respect that they so much deserve. This will change. Let there be no mistake that Empress I Jose is our beloved founder and most importantly an historic pioneer in our GLBT history and civil rights movement and that she will always be treated with the greatest respect and dignity. Any disrespect will be considered by me as a personal affront. I consider it my duty to safeguard her legacy and proper place in our GLBT history. In closing, I would especially like to acknowledge and thank Empress Coco LaChine, Empress Milo, Empress Jack-E, Emperor Kevin Drake, Empress Panzi and Empress Remy for their advice and counsel as well as my Prime Minister, Emperor Rick Ford. As we begin this new chapter in our court's history, I look forward to this journey and ask each of you to not walk behind me or in front of me, but walk beside me as we celebrate a new beginning in Seattle as the official Renaissance Decade begins. God bless you. Long live the Monarchy. Long live Jose! Empress Nicole the Great Queen Mother of the Americas Contact info: Nicole Murray-Ramirez P.O. Box 33915 San Diego, CA 92163 Email - Nicolemrsd@aol.com Ph - (619) 692-1967 |
| History of the International Court System |