GayCalgary Magazine caught up with the 35th Emperor Chris Tron and the 35th Empress Makayla Quinn St. Asia of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch Social Association (ISCCA SA) to discuss the approaching Coronation and to weigh in on their reign.

On April 21st, 2012, the ISCCA SA will host one of Calgary’s most glamorous affairs of the year. The reigning 35th Emperor and Empress will be sharing the Westin stage with the ISCCA SA College of Monarchs, special guests and performers traveling from across Canada and from the United States for the 36th Coronation. Attendees will enjoy fine dining, entertainment, philanthropy and the reveal of the 36th Emperor and Empress. The evening will sparkle with guests in full party regalia, "There [will be] enough rhinestones and sequins to sink a battle ship," said Empress Makayla. Amidst the glitz and glam there is a greater purpose, to support organizations such as Beswick House, this year’s chosen charity and the ISCCA SA’s annual recipient, The Children’s Wish Foundation. Emperor Chris wanted to advise the event is open to all and newcomers are encouraged to attend, "There is something in the atmosphere that really makes you feel like you are part of something."

Strengthening relations across Canada and in the US, while bringing the ‘fun’ back into fundraising, Emperor Chris and Empress Maykala thought outside the box and came up with wet and wild ideas that were extremely successful, and again, FUN! Chris worked closely with ARGRA to bring a dunk tank to the rodeo. "I must have been dunked thirty or forty times." As long as people were having fun, he was happy to make a splash for charity. "You can’t take yourself too seriously. You have to understand you are just one person trying to make a difference in this world." Other Calgary events included two H2O Drag Shows, where audience members could take aim at the stage with water balloons, as well as World Aids Day, the F**ked Up Follies, Shooter Saturdays and four Christmas Shows.

For Emperor Chris and Empress Makayla, this year wasn’t just about raising money, "Our scope was much bigger than that," said Emperor Chris. "This year was about community unity. We wanted to let everyone know this is a fun social association and an organization that everyone can be a part of. [While] we were trying to raise money, we also wanted to be positive role models and encourage others to be active members in the community." Developing new friendships and creating stronger relations with the LGBTQ communities across Canada, Empress Makayla swept across the nation with appearances from Vancouver to Halifax. Both the Emperor and Empress were able to make co-appearances in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Regina. Her only regret was that she wasn’t able to make it to the United States.

However, Emperor Chris made it to his hometown coronation in Texas. "Houston was the most memorable experience for me, although, each out-of-town experience was special in some way. For me, to go back to Houston was very important. [It was] a chance to go home and hold my head high..." The turbulent flight wasn’t the only bump in the road for these two. Traveling on a shoestring budget, the Emperor and Empress were candid about the obstacles they faced on their journey together. Carpooling, staying with friends, family and community members kept the costs extremely low. Juggling busy work and travel schedules, Emperor Chris provided this insight, "[This experience] is like a marriage. You are a ‘volunteer spouse’ so-to-speak. We would make team decisions and everyone has their ups and downs. At the end of the day, we did this together and we both had the same common goal. We went through our trials and tribulations and prevailed." Emperor Chris and Empress Makayla made a pact that in spite of any eventuality, they would remain friends for life. "We’ve been friends for quite a few years. Sure there are bumps in the road, like in any friendship. Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, we did what we had to do," said Empress Makayla.

These nobles held a humble court, attributing their success to the unsung heroes, volunteers and Emperors and Empresses past. "The people I must thank are Jason Holly and Madding Crowd, my design team and especially, Dale Eby. Obviously, everybody has contributed, but those three in particular really came through for me, personally, making unselfish contributions to my year and I want to take a moment to thank [them]," said Emperor Chris with great acclaim. Empress Makayla praised Octavia, Brandy, Empress Dynamite and Emperor Wolfgang for their wisdom and for sharing life lessons that carried her through her reign, "My best friend in Halifax taught me to never forget who I am, Emperor Dion Boink always told me to remain strong [and that] no matter what, I am who I am." Emperor Chris, as well, praised Emperor Dion Boink, "He always maintains a positive attitude and leads by example. He is just a very good human being and what I really respect most about him is that he is a compassionate individual."

Beaming with pride, they went on to rave about the amazing people they met and rekindling friendships. It was their friends, the volunteers and each other that would rally around, encouraging the Emperor and Empress to forge ahead. "When you take on a role like this, you are putting yourself out there - good and bad. What makes it all worthwhile are the people that made this an incredible experience." They both agreed this was an experience that changed their lives. "I feel like a better person," said Emperor Chris. "I got to reflect on what is important in life and how precious those few moments are."

We asked for some final words of wisdom for the 36th Emperor and Empress of the ISCCA SA. "Keep a positive attitude," Emperor Chris advises. "Keep your goal in mind, keep focused and surround yourself with incredible people. When you feel the pressure, it’s those people that encourage you and keep you on track." Empress Makayla agreed, adding: "Always remember who you are and always have fun!"