QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is The Imperial Sovereign Court of St. Catharines and the Greater Niagara Region?

The Imperial Sovereign Court of St. Catharines and the Greater Niagara Region is a local chapter of the International Alliance of Courts (I.A.C.) which consists of over 65 courts throughout the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

As the second largest fundraising organization in the global homophile/homophile-positive community, the I.A.C. has been a substantial force over the last 40 years.

Founded in San Francisco, California in 1965 by Empress 1 Jose, The Widow Norton, the I.A.C. is a not for profit social group modeled after a monarchical society.

Locally, the Imperial Sovereign Court of St. Catharines and the Greater Niagara Region has a long history.  Founded in partnership with Hamilton in 1992, the area was a barony (a division of Toronto’s Imperial Realm) known as "The Barony of Steel Knights and Ladies of the Golden Harvest".  The following year this barony was divided, and the "The Barony of St. Catharines/Niagara" was formed, still under the authority of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Toronto.  In 2002 the court was elevated and granted sovereignty from Toronto, being officially called "The Imperial Sovereign Court of St. Catharines and Greater Niagara".

Who’s In Charge, How is it run?

The members of the organization ultimately govern the court, and elect the Executive Board to manage its day-to-day operations.  The Executive Board meets regularly and oversees all matters of finances and administration.

A separate body, the College of Monarchs, is formed of past reigning monarchs who have met certain expectations and rules over all matters of monarchy/protocol and oversees the general image of the court.

The College of Monarchs holds the experience and wisdom of previous reigns and its members remain part of the college as long as they meet the qualifications.  This provides continuity to an organization whose business management (the Executive) changes annually.

Each paid member has a voice at any meeting, and the ability to vote at general meetings.  These rights represent the democratic power of members to be heard and make a difference in the community.

Who are the Monarchs?

The monarchs are the figureheads for the organization elected annually at the Coronation Ball.  Previously known as "Baron and Baroness" the "Emperor and Empress" as they are now known, are elected by a majority vote in a public election.  Any resident of the Niagara region, age 18 or over with valid government identification is entitled to vote.

The Emperor and Empress are good-will ambassadors in the community and in foreign realms, and spearhead the charitable fund raising efforts of the organization.  The monarchs also act as public spokesperson of the organization during the one-year period of their reign.

What has the The Imperial Sovereign Court Accomplished?

To date, The Imperial Sovereign Court has raised thousands of dollars, which have been donated to several chosen charities in the province.

These charities include:

Aids Niagara Support Services, Head Injury Society, Hospice Niagara, Children's Wish Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Niagara, Women's Place, Hotel Dieu Hospital Support Services, Community Living Niagara Falls, Camp Oasis, World Aids Day, Lincoln County Humane Society, Breast Cancer Research Society, School for the Hearing Impaired, Niagara Region Sexual Assault Center.

Members of the Court have also provided the community with countless hours of entertainment and helped raise the awareness of the larger community to the existence of the homophile/homophile-positive community.

Who Can Join?

Membership to The Imperial Sovereign Court is open to anyone interested in the aims and objectives of the organization.  New members are always welcome to join and are encouraged to participate in any way they feel comfortable.  There are many ways to volunteer ones time and talents in contributing to the fund raising efforts.  Members must be 19 years of age and older and may join at any monthly general membership meeting.  The membership fees of fifteen (15) dollars entitles the member to a voice and vote at general meetings, a personal court title bestowed by the reigning monarchs and a discount on select court events.

The Imperial Sovereign Court depends on its membership and the community for support and volunteers.  We are here to support the community, and any one and every one is welcome and encouraged to get involved.

What is The Courts purpose?

The Imperial Sovereign Court System was originally formed for "camp" entertainment.  Designed as a monarchical society, titles such as "Emperor and Empress", "Prince and Princess" etc. are bestowed in the Imperial Realm.

The main goal of the modern organization is to raise funds for various chosen charities through "drag" shows and other creative entertaining events and functions to benefit our chosen charities.  The main function of the year is the annual fund-raising "Coronation Ball" attended by many out-of-town guests and courtiers.  During Coronation, the previous year’s monarchs ‘step-down’ from their positions and the new reigning monarchs are elected and crowned.