It’s ISCWR Coronation season in Edmonton once again! In preparation for a new reign, GayCalgary Magazine bids a royal adieu to the 37th elected Emperor and Empress of the ISCWR. Empress 37, Vanity Fair (David Chimko) and Emperor 37, JJ Velour (Jason Pilot) chatted with us about their fantastic year:

GC: What have been some of the greatest accomplishments in the past year?

DC: One of our greatest accomplishments this year has been the organization’s sheer determination to change and evolve in the face of adversity. With the closing of many of Edmonton’s gay bars we have had to find new and innovative ways to raise money for our charities this year, and have been very successful.  It is a team effort and the organization as a whole has risen to the challenges.  One of the most memorable projects this year was a drag 101 workshop we were asked to put together for Camp fYrefly.  The kids were so amazing, fun and I think got a lot from the class. It was a very emotional and rewarding experience.

JP: Even through all the walls we had to face, we raised our goal for the Pride Centre and gained new levels of respect within the community.

GC: What are some of the challenges you faced?

DC & JP: Our biggest challenges this year have been raising money despite the closing of most of our venues in Edmonton. The majority of the year’s funds were raised without a regular bar or venue to host events in.  We have proved that with determination anything is possible and we have managed to have a very financially successful reign despite this hurdle.

GC: What improvements have you seen within the community?

DC & JP: I think the biggest gain we have made within the community is the relationship we have fostered with Womonspace Edmonton; unifying different groups within the community by joining forces for the greater good.  Womonspace is comprised of a group of women with huge hearts; they believe in the court and through a few joint fundraising events have helped raise a huge portion of our fundraising goal.

GC: What were some of the goals for this reign?

JP: The target fundraising amount was $20,000.00 for the Pride Centre. This year, efforts were made to work with different groups on a unified front.

GC: What is most rewarding about being part of the ISCWR?

DC: I have been involved with the court for over 15 years and the rewards and paybacks are too numerous to list. It truly is a life changing experience working with this organization and reigning as Empress of this amazing city.

JP: Seeing many new and old faces. Knowing that through all our hard work we made a difference for our community, and our charities.

GC: What are your feelings stepping down from your reign?

DC: My reign as Empress has been a much more emotional experience than I was expecting and as I approach step down, I am overwhelmed with emotion.  It really is a bittersweet event.  While it is a celebration of an amazing journey of accomplishments, it is also the end of a very amazing experience, which has changed my life, my views and my love for my community forever.

JP: I am excited to know that we accomplished what we wanted, and our reign was successful in helping the community. There is relief in knowing someone is stepping up to continue the good work. I am glad I can relax on August 26th!

GC: What can you tell readers about the upcoming Coronation?

DC & JP: Coronation really is going to be over the top amazing this year.  A fantastic show is in store, centered on the theme, "My Big Fat Gypsy Stepdown". It will involve a lot of hot pink, leopard print and bling, very fitting for a drag charity. We are anticipating a huge turn out this year.  The support of this reign by the community has been amazing and with two very popular candidates for Emperor and Empress, we are expecting a huge voting turn out as well.

GC: Any concluding thoughts to summarize a huge year?

JP: No matter what is in front of me, I can face it head on. I know I have the support of my community behind me. Doors and views still need to be opened up. Positive changes are always occurring, and the community can look forward to different ideas from the new reign.

DC: This reign has been about longevity and getting the Court through a period of adversity. With bars closing all around us, to be honest, I think most of the upper house felt like we were in survival mode most of the year, sink or swim.  As we pass the crowns on to the next reign I have no doubt next year’s reign and the organization are prepared to face whatever comes our way head on and make the 38th reign a huge success as well.

This year has changed me in many ways; I think the biggest thing it has taught me though is how strong a person I really am.  It has taught me to admit my weaknesses and ask for help and that anything is possible with hard work and determination.  This journey for me has never been about the crown, it has from day one been about repaying the amazing community in Edmonton for all the memories, love, support, and privileges drag has given me over the past 15 years.  I am forever in debt to the members of this amazing city’s LGBT community.

GC: Thank you, we look forward to seeing what is in store for you in the future.