On April 17th, 2010, Emperor and Empress 33 of the ISCCA will be stepping down from their reign at the 34th Coronation. Although his reign was met with many challenges, Emperor Joey Hailey-Boink feels thankful for everything this past year has brought him.
Upon election in 2009, Joey says he was determined to go forward with the challenge ahead. “As an Emperor I am a goodwill ambassador as well as a figurehead of the organization. My job is to raise money for the local charities of choice as well as represent Calgary’s court in other cities.”
As a novice however, Joey explained how he was extremely grateful to all those who helped him along the way. “I had to learn on the job, and prove myself to the community and the people who voted me in. I would have not been able to grasp the success without the help of many wonderful people such as my upper house, my Board of Directors, my Prince, and all those who have helped me out along the way.”
Empress Bianca LaBouche was one such person who Joey mentions helping him along the way. “She has been part of the circuit for many years. So, for me as a newcomer, it was a major help having…somebody by my side who already knows many people and also knows the ropes of this wonderful game.” LaBouche was out of town for several weeks, and not available for an interview before the time of press.
Being partners with two distinct personalities did however prove to be challenging. ”We learned to work with each other. WE both are European, and for that we are both very vocal, and sometimes very stubborn. But, I am glad to say we managed to find a common ground and areas where one was weak, the other one turned out to be strong, so we complimented each other to do the best we could.”
This past year has been very busy, but Joey feels it has been worthwhile to both the Court and the Emperor and Empress as individuals. “I’m very glad to say that we have been represented very well. Other than one, we have made it to all Canadian Coronations from coast to coast, and were represented at many US Coronations as well.”
Locally their schedules have been relentless, “from Money Pennies to the Backlot, Texas Lounge and the Calgary Eagle, they have all gratefully opened their doors and had us in there week after week to do barbeques, shows, sell shooters, or even take care of the coat check. …Without the continued support of these places we would have not been able to do the job or raise the money we did this year, and for that they all deserve a big thank you.”
Joey explained how there is much to look forward to in the weeks to come, “We have got an entire week filled with wonderful events coming up: State Dinner, In Town Show, Out of Town Show, Coronation - just to name a few. People can go on our website, www.iscca.ca, for a detailed list of events coming up in the future.”
With less than two weeks to go, Joey admits that the venue for the Out of Town has yet to be confirmed.
“We are in conversations with Twisted Element about having the Out of Town Show at their establishment. So at this point [we are not sure of the location].” He recommends checking back on their website closer to the time for location details, as they become available.
In the case of Twisted Element becoming the venue for the Out of Town Show, candidate for Emperor 34, Fred, has stated he will be hosting an unofficial event at the Westin hotel for those who cannot attend the venue for personal reasons.
Joey is looking forward to many things once he steps down as Emperor. He is excited to see what the future holds for Calgary’s court.
“The Court will keep on doing the job that it set out to do many years ago: to raise funds and represent the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community at large. As for myself, I am going to get my life back and go watch a movie!”
When asked for final words about his reign, Joey describes his many positive experiences.
“My favourite part of being the Emperor I have to say was the people I have met, and the places I got to visit. I had the chance to literally travel from coast to coast in this wonderful country, and meet the nicest, most honest people along the way. These connections I have made are for a lifetime, and I am glad to say, there are not many places where I can’t call somebody to have a cup of Joe with. For that I am so thankful.”
“To all who were there for me in the past year, thank you ever so much. When you see me in the College of Monarchs there you shall see yourself, for you have raised me up there, and for you, there I stand.” 