Imperial Star Empire Inc.

 

The History of the Imperial Star Empire Inc.

Formation and Early Years

In 1978 by the decree of the Widow Norton, Empress I Jose, the Empire of Alameda County was given to the people to select their own Monarchs for Imperial representation. However, Imperial roots had already been established in the East Bay by another "reigning" organization known as the "King & Queen of Hearts of Alameda County". To make a long story short, the reigning Queen of Hearts stepped down to run for the title of Empress. Alameda County's first Imperial Board of Directors had quite a job, the writing and formatting of a constitution and bylaws as well as encouraging members of the community to participate. By September 1979, Alameda crowned it's first Monarchs, Emperor I Eddie Paulson and Empress I Suzie. Over the course of the next several years the men and woman of the Empire represented Alameda County and assisted many people through their charitable works.
During the 7th and 8th Reigns the organization saw many noteworthy changes. As one chapter of the book closed, another one opened. One of the more influential members of the community, Emperor 8 David Montoya's partner, Princess Royale Star (aka Doug Bohrer), was considered destined to become Empress. Unfortunately, before this could happen, we lost Star to AIDS, which was beginning to ravage the community during about this time. The Board of Directors chose to honor her memory by changing the organizations name. From the 8th reign forth we would be know as The Imperial Star Empire of Alameda County (ISE).
ISE also began to focus on becoming more "legitimate" in the eyes of not only the gay community, but also the federal and state authorities. We officially became incorporated during the 8th reign. By the 10th reign ISE achieved federal and state tax-exempt status, and began the public elections of our Board of Directors.
 
Just Some Of The Significant Moments Through The Years:
  • 11th Reign - Emperor Michael and his Empress Timmi Ryan, well known for her performing, brought us into our 2nd Decade with style.
  • 12th Reign - Camp and fun were the theme this year as Empress 12 Trampolina Lopez sported a mustache and red sequined tennis shoes all year. Her and Emperor David Murray led a fun-filled year.
  • 13th Reign - 1st and only tie in the election of monarchs with the election of Empress 13 Honey Hush and Empress13 Larissa Campbell-Winchell. Both reigned jointly along with Emperor 13 C.J. Stoyka and had a hugely successful year. A provision has since been added to the Constitution to prevent ties in the future.
  • 14th Reign - This reign saw an attempt to remove Empress 14 Raven Madd from her elected position due to issue in her personal life. The very popular Empress successful fought back and the community stood by their Empress. She would go on to become one of the most popular Empresses on the court circuit; reigning for a 2nd time many years later as Empress 30 in our sister city of Stockton. Raven, along with her equally popular Emperor, Ray Braggs lead a successful Reign here in Alameda.
  • 15th Reign - 1st and to date only Lesbian monarchs with the election of Emperor 15 Kari and Empress 15 Victoria Rose. In addition to our popular drag fundraisers, we saw softball and bowling tournaments, which proved equally successful.
  • 16th Reign - Along with Emperor 16 Taco Tony (previously Empress 3) we say our 1st Transgender monarch elected, Empress 16 Tiffany Woods. They were both know for their wonderful sense of humor, he as a popular bartender at the World Famous Turf Club and she for her stand-up routine which always included her popular Top 10 List. It would be another 10 years before another Transgender woman would be elected, Empress 26 Niyah Ashley St. James. The 16th reign also saw official recognition for ISE by U.S. Congressman Pete Stark, Tiffany lead Hayward's 1st AIDS Candlelight Vigil and the "People's Court of Comedy 7 Laughter" participated in the 1st ever Gay Prom in Northern California.
  • 17th Reign - With guidance from Emperor 17 Darryl Wandry & Empress 17 Courtney St. James, nearly 400 gift baskets/stockings handed out to patients at five Alameda County hospitals at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
  • 18th Reign - 1st solo monarch with the election of Empress 18 Beverly Hills Gold. Although solo, Beverly and her "Cumming of Age" Court got the job done and had fun along the way. Decade Emperor 8 David Montoya escorted her Majesty on occasion.
  • 19th Reign - The start of our 1st Imperial website, thanks to Imperial Crown Prince JJ Ferra (later Emperor 20). Also, ISE's participation in the 1st ever East Bay Gay Mardi Gras. The Empire also grew significantly in land area during this reign with the incorporation of Contra Costa County. The well-traveled "Imperial Court of the Wild Kingdom" was represented at an amazing twenty-nine Coronations that year. All of this would lead up to a very successful step down; which for the 1st time in many years was held in Downtown Oakland.
  • 20th Reign - Emperor JJ Ferra & Empress Jessica DeWells and their court had the most funds ever raised for the Children's Hospital AIDS Ward and participated in the local Public Broadcasting Station's on-air pledge drive.
  • 21st Reign - 1st Regent Monarch title bestowed to Regent Empress 21 Larissa Campbell-Winchell (also Empress 13) who reigned with Emperor 21 Jason Parkos. The following year, two regent titles were given to Regent Emperor 22 Tim Carlisle (also Emperor 19) and Regent Emperor 22 Ray Braggs (also Emperor 14 & Empress 17 Courtney St. James). In all three cases, the Regent titles were dropped before the respective monarchs stepped down.
  • Also in the 22nd Reign - This year saw our three monarchs named as the Emperors & Empress of California at Coronation in our State Capital, Sacramento. In addition, two of the highlights of this reign were the courts command performance of Dreamgirls, on Broadway, at New York's Coronation and the very successful clothing drive for the homeless.
  • 23rd Reign - In this transitional year, we saw the first resignation by a monarch when Christopher St. James resigned due to personal reasons. He will forever be recognized as the 23rd Elected Emperor.
  • 25th Reign - Led by our 1st monarchs from Contra Costa County, Emperor 25 Alex P (who would later was elected Empress 27 Jowanna Piece St. James) and Empress 25 Deneka Ashley St. James, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee.
  • The 26th Reign - While a challenging year, we still saw many successes under the leadership of the very popular Empress 26 Niyah Ashley St. James as well her husband of state Emperor 26 Ellis Linsey.
  • 27th Reign- in this transitional year, we saw the Second resignation by a Monarch when Jo-Wana Piece St. James resigned to do personal reasons. She will forever be known as the 27th elected Empress.before she resigned , she reigned with Emperor 27 Christian Dior Essence who finished out his remaining months of the 27th Reign with Regent Empress 27 Absolute Empress 26 Niyah Ashley St. James.
  • 28th Reign- while a very well planned year, with some challanges to bridge building,we saw many successful events under the leadership of this very popular couple Emperor 28 John Marques and Empress 28 Jessica Avalon who are not the first set of Monarchs to also be Life Partners.
  • 29th Reign- one Monarch was elected by the name of  Marla Holmes aka Miss Lady Cranberry. She  was a real Female but not our First to be elected Empress.She Reigned as Empress for the better part of the year until she had to resign do to health reasons in May of 2008.She will forever be known as the 29th elected Empress. The Imperial Double Crown Princess Donica Chatmon went on to represent the Empire along with Imperial Crown Princess Royale cSeneca Greenwood St. James. they both did a upstanding job during this term.
  • 30th Reign-Restructuring has begun so we did not have elections for Monarchs this term. Instead the Board of Director's appointed two Representatives to be The Imperial Prime Minister of Affairs. cSeneca Greenwood St. James and Tomas Hernandez.Their duties  included hosting events and traveling throughout the International Court System and other Cities and States representing our Empire.

Our Foundation

The strongest work of the Empire is the Constitution and By-Laws, written by our forefathers/mothers: Empress 9 Tootsie, Manuel Oliver, Emperor I Eddie Paulson, Empress 1 Suzie, Peter Palm (Nez Pas), Fat Fairy, Fred Corella, and Empress 5 Cha Cha. Their words are as poignant today as when they were conceived:
"To establish, preserve and support the persons of Emperor and Empress of ISE Inc. and said titles can never become the personal property of a few individuals, but will be held in trust for the benefit of all people in Alameda (and now Contra Costa) County. Service through united action, guided by intelligence shall be the hallmark of ISE. The organization is formed to cultivate friendship and fellowship among members, to promote harmonious relations between members and the community, to place their fellow human beings on a higher plane of understanding, concern, and to be of assistance and aid to those in need."

Helping Out

Throughout the years ISE and it's volunteers have raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity which went to help thousands of people throughout the community suffering from AIDS, Breast Cancer, Domestic Abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Homelessness, and numerous other societal problems and ailments. Members and former members of ISE have gone on to be instrumental in the formation of the Alameda County Leather Corp (ACLC) and the Royal Grand Ducal Council both of which have also raised tens of thousands of dollars for our community. All three organizations work hand in hand for the betterment of Alameda County. As an example of this unity and "cross-over" appeal, Empress 9 Tootsie, Empress 15 Victoria, Emperor 20 JJ & Empress 20 Jessica de Wells have all held "Reigning" Titles in these sister organizations.

The Big Picture

ISE is proud to be recognized as a chapter of the International Imperial Court System (ICS), which was founded in 1965 by Empress 1 of San Francisco Jose, the Widow Norton. The ICS is one of the largest and oldest predominantly gay and lesbian organizations in the world with over 70 chapters/courts in the United States, Mexico and Canada; each working for the betterment of their respective community. While there is no official count, there is little doubt that over the last 40+ years that collectively the ICS has helped millions of people in need throughout our hemisphere.

Today and the Future

This reign, like all those that preceded it, has been interesting and full of transition. In September 2005, the community elected Christian Dior Essence and Jowanna Piece St. James as the 27th Emperor and Empress. Despite the tough local economy and numerous other organizations competing for the same dollars, the Monarchs, their Court, and several members of the Imperial Family went out into the community and did what many others had done before them…tried to make a positive difference. From participating in Hayward Pride in September to San Francisco Pride in June and many Coronations and Fundraisers in between. After a rocky start, by April things started to get back on track, thanks to passed Monarchs stepping in to fill vacant spots on the Board.
June brought more changes to the Empire, as Jowanna became only the 2nd Monarch and the 1st Empress to resign her title. She will forever be known as the 27th Elected Empress in addition to her male title, Emperor 25. The Board of Directors adhered to their Constitutional duty and selected a more than worthy person to fill the position and after ratification by the General Assembly it was announced that Empress 26 Niyah Ashley St. James, would become Regent Empress 27.
Now as we prepare to elect two more dedicated individuals to lead the 28th Imperial Court. Their Majesties, Emperor 27 Christian and Regent Empress 27 Niyah continue our long tradition of providing assistance and aid to those in need. . .As the 28th House began their adventure They had begun to unfold what would become the most successful reign in years. Emperor 28 John and Empress 28 Jessica Avalon both travelled extensively and raised Thousands of Dollars during their term. keeping at heart what came first their Community, and those less fortunate then themselves.Both these Monarchs brought new ideas and new funding for the Imperial Court such as grants for scholarships to LGBT&Q Members of our Community who need assistance for schooling.As their Majesties continue to this day being involved in making changes.Get ready for the 29th Reign of one single Monarch for Empress and a female Marla Holmes aka Lady Cranberry. who will always be known for her raffles and her wanting to win them where ever she went.her term was shorten do to health reasons making her leave the reign in May of 2008.The Imperial Double Crown Princess Donica Chatmon went on to represent the Empire along with Imperial Crown Princess Royale cSeneca  St. James. they both did a upstanding job during this term. finishing the year with a celebration event that will go down in History as one of the most exciting and funniest  ever.As we bring the 30th Reign to a close it was a very tough year for our Empire but our Prime Ministers Tomas Hernandez and cSeneca St. James managed to travel and represent the Community and the Empire.They raised money and they kept their focus mainly on helping Children with HIV and AIDS and Families in need of assistance.

 Everyone involved in ISE is a volunteer; just individual wanting to make a small difference.Each day we go out into our Comminuty to make a differance no matter how big or how small it's how you impact your Community that matters most.

Together, all of these individuals have made a huge difference to thousands of people over the years. We look forward to continuing to be a positive force within our community, our state, our country and our world for many, many years to come.