WHAT IS "THE COURT"?
"The court" is a non-profit organization centered around the form of a traditional monarchy where members receive royal titles and perform noble deeds and raise money for the community.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COURT?
The purpose of the court is to raise charitable funds and perform noble deeds for the community at large, as well as offer an outlet for social interaction among those who share the same interests.
HOW MANY COURTS ARE THERE AND WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?
There are approximately 70 Imperial Courts in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT THE ISCofAllCT CONTRIBUTE TO?ISCofAllCT CONTRIBUTE TO?
The ISCofAllCT contributes to organizations such as various AIDS related services, Cancer related services, Gay and Lesbian Community Centers and other charities.
WHO CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE COURT?
Anyone can be involved in the court and membership is open to all without regard to race, religion, creed, nationality, gender, physical ability, age or sexual orientation.
WHAT IS A CORONATION?
A coronation is the one event during the year at which the court pulls out all the stops to show itself off to the public and other courts in the system. Coronations are a high point of several days of activities, which takes on the appearance of a convention. A coronation serves several purposes. First it is a way to publicly thank the stepping down Emperor and Empress for their year of service to the community. Secondly it is a way to recognize members and to greet other court members who have traveled from other parts of the country to greet the stepping down monarchs. Finally, the newest Emperor and Empress are crowned at the end of the evening.
WHY ARE THERE TITLES OF EMPEROR AND EMPRESS AND NOT KING AND QUEEN?
Don't we already have enough queens in the world :-)
ISN'T THIS EMPEROR AND EMPRESS STUFF SILLY?
It is no more silly than any pageant title or club that adopts a particular lifestyle, mode of dress or hierarchy as its focus. The focus of the court system happens to be the Monarchy; we use crowns and gowns instead of trophies and banners. The funds raised go to great causes which none of us regard as silly.
HOW IS THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS CHOSEN?
As the public ceremonial heads of a court, the prospective Emperor and Empress campaign for and are elected to their office. The way courts go about their elections vary from empire to empire. Some have public elections and some have elections which only member may vote.
HOW LONG DOES THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS HOLD THEIR TITLE/POSITION?
The Emperor and Empress serve for 1 year which is called their "reign". After their step-down at coronation the following year they retain their titles for life, usually keeping strong ties to the court.
WHY IS THERE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS IF YOU HAVE AN EMPEROR AND EMPRESS?
The Board of Directors is the entity which is responsible for all legal obligations and activities of the court, including contract negotionations, finances and overseeing the reign of the Emperor and Empress.
HOW CAN A PERSON BENEFIT FROM THE COURT?
Individuals never make money as a result of their involvement with the court. All members unselfishly donate their time and talent to the court to support the cause for which the court is set up for. People benefit in many other ways such as: The friendships made. The opportunity for personal growth. The opportunity to work with a team of committed individuals accomplishing positive goals. And most importantly the knowledge that one has been a contributing member to the growth and well being of his or her community are just a few.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BELONG TO THE ISCofAllCT AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SPEND? ISCofAllCT AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SPEND? ISCofAllCT AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SPEND?
A nominal membership fee is imposed when joining the ISCofAllCT. Costs incurred as a result of one's involvement can vary on the level of involvement and participation that person wishes to extend.
ARE THERE OTHER TITLES BESIDES EMPEROR AND EMPRESS?
Yes, there are several titles in the court system which is called "The Line of Succession". The line of succession includes such titles as: Imperial Crown Prince/Princess, Prince/Princess Royale, Duke/Duchess, Baron/Baroness, Viscount/Vicountess, Lord/Lady and many others.
I DON'T DO DRAG AND DON'T LIKE TO PERFORM. CAN I STILL BE A PART OF THE ISCofAllCT?
By all means YES! The court system works well because these talents have never been a requirement for participation. Many people are needed in various capacities to carry out the goals of the court system. Men who do not do drag typically follow the male line of succession.
IS THERE A NATIONAL EMPEROR AND EMPRESS OF THE UNITED STATES?
There are no national titles in the court system. Unlike pageants, the highest position are those held within each chapter, that being the Emperor and Empress. The founder of the organization, Jose Sarria, Empress I of San Francisco is regarded as the spiritual head of the organization and is more affectionately referred to by many as "Mama". Mama has named several individuals over the years, whom he felt understood his concept of what the court should be and what it should represent as his heirs. The First Heir to Jose is Empress Nicole the Great of San Deigo, CA.
HOW DOES THE COURT MAKE MONEY?
The court raises funds by hosting various types of events. These include everything from drag shows at local bars to raffles, etc.
I'M INTEREST IN JOINING THE ISCofAllCT. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THAT?
That's very simple. General membership meetings are held once a month in Hartford. Simply contact us and we will be more than happy to provide you with information needed to sign up. Or, just come up to any of our members at one of our future events. We'd love to have you as part of the family. Our Email address is: ctemperorjohn@aol.com.