An Imperial convoy from Calgary to Regina arrived with 35 Calgary court members, the largest ever. Empress 31 Lonnie and I were the last to leave. Regina’s Masquerade Ball is the same day as Regina Roughriders football game - now that’s a party city you don’t want to miss.
But, why am I really going? To celebrate the charitable fundraising efforts made by the Imperial Courts. For those not in the know, allow me to give you the 411 and get you up to speed.
The Imperial Court System is one of the largest predominantly gay organizations in the world. The court raises money for charity through large annual fancy-dress costume balls in cities and smaller fundraisers each year. They are a legally incorporated charitable non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for various charities and people in need.
Here’s the kicker: there are NO paid positions! The office of monarch (Empress/Emperor) requires a large commitment of their time and money. Many actually spend thousands of dollars of their own money each year on costumes, travel and donations to numerous charities. The annual Coronation is their largest fundraiser attended by locals and people from all over North America.
Now, in Regina’s case…football and drag queens - a sold out city! Arriving on drag time, early in the morning on the day of the main event, we got the very last hotel room in the city. But wow, was it worth it! Roxy Diva and Daniel Delissio certainly know how to show you a good time.
“And YOU! What ever happens in Regina stays in Regina,” is the first thing I was told.
You know that just made me curious as hell - what did I miss on the two days before? Inquiring minds want to know, but that damn rule. So let me try another way.
Well, I can tell you Roxy Diva’s hair made me look like a Lilliputian. Here’s a good quote from someone that will remain nameless: ”Linda you should have seen me last night. Bianca did me”…no, sorry, my mistake; it was “Bianca did my face. I was beautiful. I looked like a hooker!”
I didn’t know that was a Good thing! Canada’s next top model would have been better methinks. Note to the lesbians reading, I did not say Bianca “Gives Good Face “, so settle down. …But, wouldn’t that just double her popularity?
My favorite diss came from someone who snapped at me, “Go away you irritating woman!” In my defense, all I asked was, “Does your cane come with batteries?”
Oh, and check this out. In the hospitality suite, I see this gorgeous hunk of man (I booked male strippers for two decades so this is an informed opinion) with a personality that was not only entertaining but didn’t come with a “bag of chips” attitude - talk about refreshing! So, I ask Calgary’s Empress Nina Tron (who by the way knows how to “Give it” all on stage) “Who is THAT?” She replies, “Oh girl, that’s Robyn Graves.”
Well I just about fell off my chair, never mind the fact that someone had smacked the back of my chair (you know who you are). Back in March I photographed Robyn Graves when she stepped up in her hometown, and then again at Calgary’s Ball in April. Obviously, now I am sooo looking forward to more photo shoots…perhaps a little different next time!!
Speaking of stud muffins, there’s Daniel. Now I know why your last name is Delissio. What a genuine and wonderful man you are. And Roxy Diva, you vixen! I have never, ever met a more kind, gentle, caring soul. You rock Roxy!
But back to the dirt. As no candidates ran for Emperor or Empress this year (remember this takes serious commitment), the responsibility went back to the college. Strangely enough, 5 past Empresses and 5 past Emperors have taken on the responsibility this year.
When the ball was over, I got kidnapped by Empress 29 Argentina who says to me, “Linda, I’m going to take you to the gay bar.” Who am I to say no?
Off we go, ironically to Broad Street and the bar GLCR; sure enough we beat the rush. Now, this ain’t no every day gay bar. GLCR is run by VOLUNTEERS - imagine a nightclub run by a Non-Profit Organization!
But, I digress.
In walks the rest of Calgary’s best, talk about taking over a town. We planted ourselves at the end of the bar (mama didn’t raise no fools, we don’t do line-ups). I’ve never seen so many men stumble all over themselves to talk to them. And, Brandy Bishop-Towers…”Lady, you played that one guy like a Stradivarius”! Ooops, I almost forgot the rule: what happens in Regina…
Needless to say we closed down the bar. The shuttle bus picks us up, cuz gee, we have to go back to the hotel for the afterparty! After a while Lonnie says, “Let’s go back to our hotel. We still have Victory Brunch at 11am.” Ouch!
At the Victory Brunch the monarchs give awards to other monarchs. If it were the Olympics, Calgary would be the Men’s US Swim Team, and Dyna Myte would be Michael Phelps. Oh, and now I know how she got her name. she exploded on stage, as you’ll see in the photo, and took your clothes off…oops that damn rule.
Thank the powers that be for Empress Lonnie, “Driving Miss Linda” once again, getting me home safe and sound. Well, safe anyway. But, that’s just a view from a broad!
PS: Thank you Regina! Thank you for the special attention, Martine @ Coachman Inn, Regina, and Tania Park@ Park Lane motor hotel, Medicine Hat.
For more photos of the ball visit Facebook/Linda Eckess
