As the sun peaks out from the clouds and the temperature slowly rises, a sense of renewal fills the air. For the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch (ISCCA), and Emperor 32 Michael Wolf-Would Myte and Empress 32 Nina Tron, the month of April demonstrates this renewal by electing a new Emperor and Empress for the 33rd Coronation on April 18th.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the ISCCA, it is imperative for you to understand this most gracious and historic establishment. The ISCCA is the oldest GLBT organization in Calgary, part of a larger body known as the International Court System founded in San Francisco in 1965 by an individual known as Jose The Widow Norton. Calgary’s charter began in 1976 as six people got together and organized a committee to establish a Court in Calgary. After applying to the Mother Court of Canada in Vancouver, a charter was granted and the ISCCA was established.
Many local charities have benefitted from the dedication and perseverance of this year’s members. Generous donations have been made to The Children’s Wish Foundation, Beswick House AIDS Hospice, Agape Hospice for the Terminally Ill, AIDS Calgary Positive Living Lunch Program, and HIV Peer Support. More financial aid has also been donated to funds in honour of the untimely deaths of two community members: Sandra Casey and Imperial Sovereign Grace Grand Duke 14 and 21, Too Tall Tony Bishop-Towers. Emperor 32 Michael Wolf-Would Myte would like to thank all businesses and supporters that have donated their time and money to helping these charities. “We would like to acknowledge the community and city of Calgary for their undying and everlasting support over the past year, as we have repeatedly asked them to empty their wallets night after night to further our cause. We cannot thank you enough, as your continued support is what makes the ISCCA successful and viable. To all our in-town businesses who have lent support through donation and/or giving us space to raise funds whether through shooter bars, coat checks or barbeques, etc, we thank you for donating your time/space/equipment/product, as it was instrumental in our success.”
The outgoing Emperor is proud of the work the ISCCA has done this past year. Admitting there were both good times and bad, he realized that these small trials brought everyone closer together, and made everyone stronger as a team. “Shortly into the 32nd reign, the Elected Emperor Ashley Carmichael was forced to resign due to health complications. This meant that the next in line was Elevated to the position of Emperor, this being Michael. Later on, due to personal reasons our Princess Royale Anita Lay resigned, elevating Malibu Stacey to the position.” Regardless, the ISCCA did not falter, and remained as strong and as dignified as it ever was.
April will surely be a busy month for the outgoing Emperor, and the electees vying for their chance at being Emperor and Empress. Aspirants to the Throne of Emperor 33 and Empress 33 are Argintina Hailey-Santos, Bianca LaBouche, Malibu Stacey and Onyxx Myte VonBearstein, as well as candidate for the position of Emperor: Joey Hailey. Each has been canvassing for the last month for your vote. The Court wishes the best for these individuals.
For Emperor 32 Michael Wolf-Would Myte has mixed emotions about passing on the crown. He is quite excited about getting his life back and refilling his wallet, but will miss the work he has done and the community around him. For the next Emperor and Empress he wishes them the best and says “Ha! Ha! Your turn!”
Voting day is April 11th at the Backlot between noon and midnight. Anyone in the community can vote so long as they are of legal age, and reside within the 403 area code. But before you vote, get to know the candidates in our “Running for Royalty” feature on page 38.
The Coronation will be on April 18th starting at 6pm sharp. This year it will be held at the Westin Hotel on 4th Street and 4th Avenue SW. There will be individuals in attendance from all across Canada and the United States, and performances that are out of this world. The crowning of the new Emperor and Empress will take place, as well as the handing out of funds from the previous year.
The ISCCA has proved time and time again that through good times and bad, the spirit of charity has never faltered. Take the time to vote for the new Emperor and Empress, and continue to support an organization that has never stopped supporting their community.
For a complete list of Coronation Events, please refer to page 18 or check out http://www.iscca.ca
