Imperial Court of Minnesota Hosts Coronation XIX

Founded in 1992, the Imperial Court of Minnesota (ICOM) is a chapter of the International Court System, established in 1965 in San Francisco by Empress José Sarria, the first openly gay person to run for public office in the United States.

Over the past two decades, ICOM, primarily a fund-raising organization, has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for myriad local charities such as The Aliveness Project, as well as national ones like the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

But ICOM has its fun side, too, with plenty of crowns and gowns at events that raise money as well. That will be most evident at its grandest spectacle of the year, Coronation XIX, on August 14 at the Radisson Plaza Downtown Minneapolis. Dignitaries from courts around the country will be in attendance. Partial proceeds benefit the Harvey Milk Foundation.

ICOM is a monarchical organization, meaning that an Emperor and Empress elected each year preside over activities. Currently, Steven Yorek and Roxie Hart are running unopposed for Emperor XIX and Empress XIX, respectively. However, they each must garner 51 percent of the vote in an election on August 7 at the Downtown Minneapolis Davanni’s, which is open to the general public. If they achieve the necessary percentage, they will be crowned at Coronation XIX.

For more information, visit www.impcourtmn.com.

Schedule of Events

Voting
Sat., Aug. 7
Davanni’s
1242 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.

Out-of-Town Show
Fri., Aug. 13
Doors Open 7 PM
Show 8-11 PM
Brass Rail
422 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.

Coronation XIX
Sat., Aug. 14
Doors Open 6 PM
Ceremony 6:59 PM
Fjords Ballroom
Radisson Plaza Downtown Mpls.
35 S. 7th St., Mpls.

Victory Brunch
Sun., Aug. 15
11 AM
Radisson Plaza Downtown Mpls.
Hospitality Atrium
35 S. 7th St., Mpls.

Victory Party/Show
Sun., Aug. 15
Party 3-7 PM
Show Follows
Gladius
1111 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.