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|  | Ruby Ridge Living Heir Spray So, darlings, there I was in the middle of deepest, darkest Weber County with my purple bouffant standing loud and proud in the middle of the Ogden Marriott. I have to say, pumpkins, I was an unforgettable glittering vision of polyester loveliness! The occasion for my safari north was the Coronation ceremony of the Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah. For those of you unfamiliar with the International Court System (like me), Coronation is where the new elected leaders of the local Royal Court are crowned to lead the group for the year. In any other organization like the Rotary Club or the Kiwanis, this would take two minutes, a voice vote and a motion to adjourn, but in the Court System, a Coronation is a HUGE deal, and is a perfect excuse to schlep out the best sequined drag, big hair and Buick sized tiara. So needless to say cherubs, Coronation takes longer than it takes the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope.
It is at events like Coronation that I really test the patience of my Cyber Sluts sisters. I always have to ask who is who in the Court and what their title is. God forbid I should ever see one of these folks out of drag because then I go completely deer-in-the-headlights blank. I can’t tell Empress 63 (the Visible From Space Empress) from Empress 36 (the Most Imperial Crystal, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, I’m not doing Meth I’ve just been doing Pilates, Zirconia Empress). For hell’s sakes girls, do us all a favor and get some damn name tags!
The International Court System is one of the most established networks in the gay community and goes way back to 1965 when it was created in San Francisco. From its humble but very camp beginnings, the Court System has evolved into chapters in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Love them or hate them, you have to admire the Royal Courts because over the years they have raised buco dinero for charitable causes in our communities, one tip at a time.
Unfortunately, across America, and in our own state, the Royal Courts are struggling. Board positions are left vacant and title positions are being filled by candidates running unopposed. The theatricality and “grandness” that once defined the Courts is fading, and seems slightly out of place in the age of mainstreaming and political activism. The excesses of egos, in some cases problems with drugs, and the backstage melodramas, have tarnished the name, the image, and the fundraising capacity of the Royal Courts.
Given all of that baggage, I have to salute the current Emperor and Empress and officers of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, who have inherited the difficult task of keeping the court active and relevant. Muffins, they need your support and participation. Go to a Court show, volunteer on one of their service projects, or consider sitting on their Board. You could make a real difference and you don’t have to wear a tiara. Unless, of course, you want to!
Ruby Ridge is one of the more opinionated members of the Utah Cyber Sluts, a Camp Drag group of performers who raise funds and support local charities. Her opinions are her own and fluctuate wildly due to Christmas shopping stress and Seasonal Affective Disorder. | | |
by Ruby Ridge