Our History

The Imperial Court of New York was founded in 1986 under the reign of Their Imperial Majesties Emperor I George The First and Empress I Sybil The First. We are now in our 25th reign under the monarchy of Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties Emperor XXI Ritz Kracker and Empress XXVI Witti Repartee. Our membership includes Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses — all enjoying the “game” of court and royalty while raising much needed social awareness and money for deserving charities in the New York tri-state area.

The Court, a part of the International Court System, is a social, fund-raising organization which has raised and donated back into the community more than $1 million to both social service and health support organizations. In addition to our own fundraising, we often lend our support and talent to other organizations in their ventures by performing, selling raffles or just adding beauty and style!

The International Court System

The first seeds of the Court System were planted by the visionary activist Jose Sarria in San Francisco in 1965, amidst political and community mayhem, in an effort to unite the lesbian and gay community. Known as Empress I Jose, the Widow Norton, Jose is recognized around the world as one of the pioneers of the gay and transgender movement, and was the country’s first openly gay political candidate (for San Francisco Supervisor in 1962). Jose set our standard for humor, heart and humanitarianism. Today, the International Court System, which governs approximately 70 kingdoms in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is one of the largest LGBT organizations in North America. Jose has been honored by the House of Representatives of California and the government of San Francisco. He has been presented with prestigious awards from organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. He has even had a street named after him in San Francisco. This year we celebrate 45 years of camp and regality, education and fundraising. Through the years, the Court System has been a leading champion of important LGBT issues, from pre-Stonewall activism to the HIV/AIDS crisis to the challenges we face in the 21st Century.

Be a Part of It, New York, New York

The Imperial Court of New York kicked off its first reign at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria in 1987 with the crowning of Empress I Sybil the First, The Atlas Empress and Emperor I George the First, The Eagle Emperor. Over twenty reigns have succeeded them in a continuous line of hard work and glamour. Check them out in the College of Monarchs section. The Court is a favorite attraction at many community fundraising events. Members have been invited to host, perform in and co-chair events from New Jersey to Vermont! We walk in the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue not only to show off our finery, but also to distribute vital information about groups that we support. Of course, the Court’s fabulous float is always a crowd pleaser during the Heritage of Pride Parade.

Other than raising money and educating the community at large on diversity issues, the ICNY is also out there entertaining at hospitals, working refreshment stations at GMHC’s AIDS Walk, distributing condoms at Grand Central Station, joining in the March on Washington, entertaining at SAGE socials, and many other notable causes.

Some of the fundraising events which ICNY itself sponsors or produces on an on-going basis include:

  • Night of a Thousand Gowns Charity Ball
  • The 12 Drags of Christmas
  • Latin Explosion
  • Jersey Girls
  • The Prince & Princess Show
  • Tough Drag
  • Drag Tag Sale on Fire Island
  • Christmas in July for Bailey House

We can also be spotted at some of the following events (we’re the ones with the fabulous crowns and tiaras!):

  • GLAAD Media Awards
  • amfAR Rocks
  • The LGBT Center Dances and Halloween Party
  • Callen-Lorde Walk on the Wild Side
  • GMHC AIDS Walk
  • Bar People’s Ball
  • Heritage of Pride Opening Ceremony and Parade
  • Bailey House Annual Auction and Party
  • The LGBT Expo
  • Leather Pride Night
  • Folsom Street East
  • HX Awards
  • Tulips & Pansies for Village Care of New York