As you may already know, the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch is a non-profit organization that fundraises throughout the year for a handful of important charities. Every year, a new Emperor and Empress are voted in to serve as public figures for the ISCCA. With this fame comes a great deal of responsibility, as the elected Emperor and Empress must implement fundraising events and collect tips to benefit the organization.

The positions of Emperor and Empress are the only positions of power in the GLBT community that are voted in democratically by the people of the community at large. Thus anyone running for either position must campaign for people’s votes, and raise awareness of the group so that people do vote.

Everyone in the community is entitled to vote once and only once for the candidate that they feel would do the best job in the position that they are running for. As in a real election, spoiled ballots are counted if you cannot decide. In the case where there is only one candidate for a position, that candidate must still campaign for community members to respond in their favor for a yes/no vote. If they fail, the role title falls to the most recent prior title holder that is willing to accept it.

This year there are four candidates for the position of Empress, and one candidate for Emperor. This article is an equal opportunity for all candidates to introduce themselves, and answer a challenging question tailored to them personally.

The ISCCA strives to represent all facets of the GLBT community, so polls are open to everyone. Take a moment to inform yourself about the selection of candidates, or speak to them personally as they continue to campaign at various venues and events. Votes are available on April 11th from noon to midnight at the Backlot (209 - 10th Avenue SW).

Candidates for Emperor 33

Joey Hailey

My name is Joey Hailey, I’m 28 years old and lived in Calgary for about 8 years. I have been involved in the court system for about the same amount of time. The reason why I handed my application in this year is because I’m financially, physically, and emotionally ready to take on this great challenge of representing Calgary in a well fashioned matter, as well as being a leading role in the fundraising and awareness perspective of the position.

You are not seen in the drag scene as often as many of the Empress candidates that are running this year. Yet, if you become Emperor, you may be working alongside someone with more visibility and experience. How do you see yourself keeping up with your Empress?

Many people think that I’m a newcomer to the drag scene. I’ve held several titles throughout the years, and had high heels on as well as boots. The reason why the spotlight hasn’t hit me was because of my conscious decision of refusing higher profile titles, for not being ready for it. We all know that as far as the entertainment portion of the Court, the girls get more attention than the boys, but there is a lot more to this wonderful game than the shows, and a lot of platform for the male titleholders to prove themselves. We are also a team, this isn’t a competition, we are all here for the same reason...to help those in need, raise awareness, and represent Calgary across North America.

Candidates for Empress 33

Argintina Hailey-Santos

My name is Argintina Hailey-Santos and it is an honour to be given a 2nd chance by the board of directors to run for Empress 33 of Calgary and all of Southern Alberta...this is a sign of 2nd chances for me as a person who may not have always had the approval of some but was always supported by friends, family and most of all the community. This also gives me the chance to show what an amazing and caring person I really am...I am in it for the Community and most of all our charities!!

You have reigned as Empress once before. Why should the community vote you as Empress again when other candidates haven’t yet had the opportunity? What do you plan to do differently from your previous reign if you are elected?

It’s for the people and with the people, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have not had the luxuries of what we take for granted. I want to focus my campaign on what I can do as a person to help bring awareness to those who do not understand what the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch sets out to do, and that is to help those that are less fortunate and bring awareness for various organizations that need our help in fighting various diseases and to find cures! My fist reign was a little challenging for me because of my inexperience but I did manage to survive the various hurdles certain individuals put in my way. My friends, my family and most of those that were in my upper house helped guide me through some of the difficult times. What I plan to do different is to include the community in this reign and with the community support we can achieve a lot, not only for our charities but for our unity as well...we are all equal, no matter which gender we are, and together we stand united. It’s a year to work as a community! “With The Community and For The Community!” This Campaign is about Awareness and 2nd Chances so, please come out on April 11th, 2009 and VOTE for ARGINTINA HAILEY-SANTOS as your 33rd Empress of Calgary.

Bianca LaBouche

I am Bianca Labouche, candidate for Empress 33 of Calgary. I’m running for Empress for the community, to raise awareness of our non profit organizations and charities, and for the pure joy of performing and meeting new people. Children and charity have always been subjects very dear to my heart... and by working together as a community we can improve standards and raise some money in the process. Organizations like Beswick House and the Children’s Wish Foundation work to provide a better life for people who are less-fortunate and educate our community. The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch is the perfect vehicle for me to get involved and make a difference.

You have reigned as Empress once before, and during that reign you were forced to temporarily step down and relinquish your title. What has changed since that time? Why should the community give you a second chance as Empress?

When I was elected the 27th Empress of Calgary I was forced to resign, largely because of gossip, hearsay and scandal. People I thought were supporting me turned-out to be acting only for themselves. We all suffer common jealousies and personality conflicts and in my own naive way fell victim to those in my life. I think I’ve matured since then and have learned to see the really important people around me for who and what they are, and to not be blinded by petty emotions. It was a pivotal moment in my life and I have strived to amend and overcome these past hurdles. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and maybe this time I can not only repair some past damages, but move forward in a constructive and meaningful way. A trying family ordeal recently caused me to re-evaluate my priorities and I know that as Empress 33, I can put my best sequined foot forward and rise to the challenge. Thank-you all and don’t forget to vote in April. Ciao, bellas!

Malibu Stacey

I have been involved with the ISCCA,SA for 7 years. I have held different titles (Princess and Duchess included) throughout the years. I ran for the position of Empress 3 years ago against Dyna Myte, and even though I did not win that year, I did gain a lot of insight as to how the position works. Since then I have been planning as to what my year would entitle. I have been though ups and down, and still find myself coming to the conclusion that I can, and want, to fulfill the duties as Empress of Calgary and all Southern Alberta. If elected, I will represent Calgary and all Southern Alberta with style, class, dignity and grace to the best of my ability.

You already donate a great deal of your time to the ISCCA, but the role of Empress will require even more of you. If you become Empress, how will you balance your responsibilities and still look after your own wellbeing?

I plan to bring a strong upper house on board. My time management skills will come into play. I plan to do membership drives to get more people involved, as well as lots of communication with the house and the community.

Onyxx Myte VonBearstein

My name is Onyxx Myte VonBearstein. I am 23 years old and running for the position for Empress 33 of Calgary and all of Southern Alberta. Though I may be young I have been involved with the ISCCA,SA for five years now. I got my start with the ISCCA,SA during Empress Erica Devine and Emperor Alexander’s year, helping with 50/50 sales, and in doing this I received a lower house title. Continuing through the years I got my first experience of an upper house member during Empress and Emperor 30, Dyna Myte and Wolfgang VonBearstein’s year when I elevated from Personal Princess to Grand Dutchess.

Many people in the community still perceive you to be a fledgling drag queen. How would the role of Empress help you to grow? Why should the community select you over a more experienced queen?

I am running for the position of Empress 33 because I have been helped many times by the GLBT community and am in a position where I can give back to the community. Do I think you need years of experience to do this? No, you can have no experience to 10 years of experience - as long as I’m doing this for the right reason and pour my heart and devotion in this, I will shine through regardless of who may think I’m inexperienced. Some of the most influential women and drag queens started out young with no experience and look at them now. Though through the year I will have questions about what I think I should do, or be unsure what the right decision is, that’s why we have not only a board of directors but also a college of monarchs to lean on for guidance and support, as any new Empress needs. Taking a lesson from role models of mine, and including a year of being Empress, will help me grow. I don’t think many people in this community see me as a fledgling queen but as a queen who is to this day, and always will be growing.

Editor’s Note: Candidate responses may have been edited for minor spelling and grammatical errors. Candidates not submitting a preferred photo had a photo selected for them from a recent candidate show.