Congratulations to the newly Reigning Emperor and Empress of San Francisco, Stephen Dorsey & Renita Valdez, crowned last Saturday night at Imperial Coronation amongst the grandeur, opulence, and whimsy of this 45-year-old tradition. For the first time in recent memory, ASL interpreting for the hearing-impaired was provided at court expense, in keeping with the equal-opportunity commitment of the Imperial Court.

The evening began with a splendid color guard provided by the local Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post 448, the only LGBT post in the US, and the national anthems of Mexico, Canada, and the US, testimony to the true international membership of the International Court System. After a brief invocation by Reverend Lyle Beckman of Night Ministry, emcees Emperor XXXIV, After Norton, Jason Ladd, Absolute Empress XIX Remy Martin, and visiting Empress Jack-E of Reno heralded us into a swirling presentation from nearly 40 courts from across the continent, as well as representatives from many local groups and the San Francisco Imperial Family, against a striking set designed by Michael Loftis. State Senator Mark Leno , City Supervisor Bevan Dufty , and City Treasurer Jose Cisneros were there, but other elected officials, LGBT members or purported supporters, were noticeably absent at this significant annual event. We were particularly struck by the presence of some who traveled so far to participate, including Emperor II, After Norton, Russ from Mississippi, Emperor XX, After Norton, Douglass Stromberg, Absolute Empress Velveeta Mozzarella, and Emperor XXVI, After Norton, Fred Lewis, all from Palm Springs, Absolute Empress XXIX Anita Martini from Texas, Absolute Empress XXXVII Barbie La Choy from Florida, and Emperor XXXIII, After Norton, John Richard from the Washington, DC area. While regrettable health problems understandably prevented some from attending, one wonders how any San Francisco Monarch could in all good conscience fail to support the single largest event of the oldest continu

The Franz celebrates the Year of the Tiger. Photo: Steven Underhill

ously operating LGBT organization which previously bestowed such honor upon them.

Imperial Coronation also includes special entertainment, some from visiting courts requested by the outgoing monarchs, and others from local performers. The show-stoppers this year were a beautifully executed and costumed Dreamgirls medley from four Empresses of Portland, and a tightly choreographed dance number from Nine by Absolute Empress XXXI Cockatielia and her dancers, complete with rattling tambourines. One of the traditions of this evening is the recognition of reigns with decade or decade-and-a-half anniversaries. The most touching this year were Absolute Empress XXV Marlena 's salute to her deceased Emperor XVIII, After Norton, Simeon, and remembrances by Emperor XXVIII, After Norton, John Carrillo and the Empresses of the late Absolute Empress XXXV Suzie Wong. The Emperors of San Francisco also gave well-deserved recognition to Emperor I, After Norton, Marcus Hernandez, who died just this past year.

Space considerations limit a more thorough description of the entire evening, but it concluded with all the pomp and circumstance typical of a Coronation, as Emperor XXXVII, After Norton, Paul Maka Poole and Absolute Empress XLIV Angelina Josephina Manicotti completed their reign by presenting funds raised during their year to charitable organizations significant to them, and by recognizing special supporters. The blazing tableaux created by the official crowning ceremony's gowns, crowns, scepters, orbs, swords, robes, and other symbolic accoutrement was truly worthy of the Imperial Coronation of San Francisco.

Although many cities across the continent hold similar coronations, only San Francisco includes the Widow Norton's Annual Pilgrimage to Woodlawn Cemetery in Colma, where Joshua Norton , self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, lies buried. After an exhausting evening, many visitors and locals joined Absolute Empress I, Jose Sarria , the Widow Norton on Sunday for this "only in San Francisco" tradition, solemnly recognizing our historic connection to a legendary past, but overflowing with humor, innuendo, and irreverence. This year's sunny event was emceed for the third time by San Francisco City Treasurer Jose Cisneros and this humble reporter, and included prayers from clergy of the Night Ministry, march music from the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, led by Jadine Louie, songs from Brian Benamati and John Gulotto representing the Lesbian/Gay Chorus , and a musical set from the delightful Gail Wilson with Robert Sunshine on the electronic keyboard. You haven't lived until you've heard Jose Sarria conjure up the ghost of her husband at his tomb in Colma and seen the faces of the knowing and the uninitiated as this colorful pageant unfolds.

Please join us tonight, Thursday, for LGBTZ Night at Teatro ZinZanni, the long-running dinner spectacle at Pier 39. We'll be hosting this salute to the LGBT community with special guest performer Thelma Houston and a mid-evening raffle drawing with proceeds benefiting Project Open Hand .

Then it's on to Mr. San Francisco Leather Weekend with a dinner and fantasy presentations by the contestants on Friday night and the full contest on Saturday night, both at Hotel Whitcomb on Market St. We will join International Mr. Leather 1992 Lenny Broberg to emcee this event as an esteemed panel of judges determines the winning Mr. SF Leather, who will go on to compete at International Mr. Leather in Chicago.

The Bay Area abounds with parties celebrating the Academy Awards, and we have added to our schedule this Sunday a visit to Trigger for Betty Sullivan's Oscar Party, starting at 3 p.m., benefiting Lyon-Martin Health Services and the American Red Cross Haitian relief efforts. After a turn on the red carpet there and a couple of cocktails inside, we will head to the party which we have long touted as the largest and most spectacular one outside of LA, the 30th annual Academy of Friends gala at Fort Mason.