It was almost one year ago when Calgary welcomed Royal Couple Will and Kate to its fine city. Next month, a different kind of Royal Couple will be crowned as the Calgary public votes for its next Emperor and Empress, who will reign for the 2012-2013 year.

The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch, is rich in tradition, and has provided thousands of dollars to charitable organizations through fundraising, performance, personal finance, and volunteering. It began as an official organization in 1976, and is the oldest queer gay organization in Calgary.

The ISCCA is also a branch of a much larger organization, The International Imperial Court System that, again is one of the largest gay organizations in North America, and as a collective has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations.

This year, the candidates vying for Emperor and Empress are a dedicated group of individuals that have pride in their own queer community, as well as a calling to help however they can with those in need. Each nominee took some time out of their busy schedule to chat with GayCalgary Magazine about their candidacy.

Ruby Harte became a Calgarian two years ago, and is proud to call it her home. She became part of the Imperial Court in Edmonton and was immediately entranced by the sense of community she felt, as well as the realization that she could be involved in a collective that could make a difference in the world.

"I am a small town boy with big dreams!" says the central Alberta born 23 year old. " I have been working and volunteering as long as I have been able to, working with recreational therapy in long-term care and the S.A.D.D., D.A.R.E., and the Alzheimer’s Society all while I was in high school."

"Working together to make a better life for others is and always will be a passion of mine. I bring forward a fresh perspective, and a passion to make a difference through creative ideas and a desire to bring the community closer together and to help build a safe and promising future for our youth!"

"I plan on doing more than just the same old drag show to stimulate some much needed fundraising dollars," Harte states when asked about the challenge for money. "I will definitely have more events in the summer, making sure to use up the wonderful weather while it is here. I also want to make sure to include as many all-age events as possible."

As a current Assistant Manager Trainee in her retail position, Harte also understands the fine balance between work and volunteerism. "My job has been very understanding with the demands that the Court requires of me. I have already reigned as Princess so they get what I need to do. We have discussed it, and there are no problems with working around it."

Onyxx Myte began her involvement with the Court in 2004. In 2006 she stepped up as Grand Duchess to Empress Dyna Myte and Emperor Wolfgang Von Bearstein. From this she gained exemplary experience dealing with the Upper House and truly understanding the importance of the Court’s role in charity work. From there, she decided to continue on as Grand Duchess to Emperor Michael Myte and Empress Nina Tron in 2009.

"Both experiences have taught me that with hard work throughout the year as a community we can make a huge difference in the charities throughout our city," Onyx states, adding, "if I am elected Empress 36 I want the community to know that I will work hard and give it my all, to achieve the goals of the 36th reigning year and make a difference in the community."

With a full-time job, Onyx is more than prepared to dedicate her free time to the task at hand, fundraising for her charity. "I am planning on sticking to what has worked for us in the past in terms of raising money. I am also going to work with the community and think outside of the box to generate ideas with not only the gay businesses in the city, but also gay friendly bars, restaurants. I want to add a little extra to everything I do and generate a greater interest."

Onyx is excited to give back to the community that has given to her. "The Calgary queer community is way more active now in the public eye. I have also been working way more behind the scenes today than last year, so I have a better understanding of what needs to be done. We (the queer community in Calgary) are definitely headed in the right directions but all queer organizations have a lot of work ahead of us, and I want to be a part of that."

As the only candidate for Emperor 36, Emperor Candidate Bull Dozr will appear on the ballot as a yes or no vote. He is fairly new to the Court, but feels that his year as Prince and his 20 year involvement in Calgary’s queer community is more than enough to prepare him for a year as Emperor 36.

"Though fairly new to the Imperial Court System, my reign as Prince this year has given me a sense of fulfillment and a drive to want to do more. It is a pleasure to be involved with an organization whose compassion for those less fortunate is so paramount. I have chosen to run for Emperor 36 so that I may be able to give back to a community that has given me so much in the past," states Bull Dozr.

As an employee at two queer retail favourites on 17th Avenue, Bull Dozr is very much supported to fundraise and represent the Court. "I am a firm believer in the community and I would like to extend an invitation to get more people involved in the Court."

This is definitely not an easy feat for an organization that many individuals in Calgary’s queer community are not familiar with.

Bull Dozr approaches this honestly and with an open mind. "I would like to generate a new approach within the community. I want to stay focussed on the local, stay within the community. I would also like to focus my charity work on local charities such as CCASA, Miscellaneous Youth. I believe that a unified diverse community such as ours is a bonding force."

"I would also like to educate people on the rich history of the Court, particularly with this new blood of young community members that are coming out," adds Bull Dozr when asked about his concern in terms of our queer history being forgotten.

When asked about his take on the tough economy, and the challenges of fundraising, he is optimistic. "I want to generate and combine new ideas with the older successful ones. Our community is so diverse that there is something for everyone, and I want to cater to that."

Public voting for Emperor and Empress 36 will take place from noon to midnight on April 14th at the Backlot.