It was a most historic and special day for the ISCWR as we had the honor of being introduced to the members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Alberta. This was a special day for so many reasons and one that exceeded all of our expectations.

The seven of us were made to feel very welcome by the NDP Party as well as all of the staff at the Legislature. After a brief "hello" with the Mayor of Edmonton, we met with the Honorable Rachel Notley, MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona. Following a brief discussion and a few height jokes during official photographs, we were treated to a tour of the building before proceeding to security in preparation for entry to the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.

You should know that the days leading up to our visit, much discussion took place between us, our NDP hosts and the Sergeant at Arms about protocol and decorum with regards to how we would be dressed. The Sergeant at Arms researched the 100 year history of the Alberta Legislature and British traditions going back even further. It was determined that it would be acceptable to enter into the building in full drag and regalia. We were told, however, that we would be asked to remove our crowns upon entering the Gallery as the only person that is allowed the privilege to wear a head adornment is the Queen of England (except for religious purposes). And, as we expected, we were asked to remove our crowns. We explained what the crown means to our organization. Then, history was made. The staffers, watching our entry on the security monitors, approached the Speaker of the House. It was then that I got special permission to wear my crown inside the Assembly chamber. It will be moment I will treasure forever.

Upon being seated in the gallery, we were definitely noticed by the members of the assembly as they prepared for the afternoon session. Laurie Blakeman, Liberal MLA for Edmonton Centre, sent a Page up with special greetings to our members written on a card. Soon, it was Ms. Notley's turn to make the introduction. Her words were so eloquently spoken. After our names were read, including full titles for myself and Emperor Sundance, all of the members banged on their desks in the traditional welcome of the Legislative Assembly. Many of the members of all parties, waved and smiled in our direction. It was surreal, it was special, it was an honor.

Moments later, Ms. Notley used her time during Question Period to ask why the Provincial Government does not have any law in place protecting the GLBT community from discrimination. Her comments were poignant and articulate.

Sadly, the responses form the Minister were not equally so.

The official transcripts of these remarks will be sent in another announcement.

I would like to thank the Board, General Membership and the College of Monarchs of the ISCWR for their support in making this happen. I would like to thank many of my friends and peers in the ICS for their guidance as these plans were put in motion. Thanks to Pam, Miss Dee Luv, Kelsey Breeze, Ivanna Diamonds, Connie Lingua and Emperor Sundance for being part of this and being wonderful representatives of the class and dignity that is the ISCWR. Thanks to Rob Pearson of the NDP for your tireless efforts in organizing this special day. Thanks to the Honorable Rachel Notley for your hospitality, grace, good humor and, especially, for extending the official invitation to the ISCWR.

And thanks to the Government of Alberta (all parties) for helping create a society where we can be free to do such things. We have still many things to accomplish and the journey is hardly over, however, we can, and must, allow ourselves to take a moment to celebrate and appreciate many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in this Province for there are many that are still fighting for these very things.