IMPERIAL COURT OF THE EMPIRE OF ALL ALASKA 1971 TO PRESENT
The Imperial Court of the Empire of all Alaska has been in existence as an Anchorage nonprofit organization since 1971. Three Queen Reigns preceded the first community election of Emperor and Empress I, Craig and Margaret. The Imperial Court of All Alaska, ICOAA, is the oldest gay community organization in Anchorage. Known as the ICOAA up until 1989, the corporation name changed to the North Star Empire of Imperial Courts due to State of Alaska corporation filings. Currently, all events are proclaimed under the auspices of the Imperial Court of All Alaska.
Over the decades, more then a million dollars has been raised by the Imperial Court of all Alaska through participation at fundraising events, benefits, titleholder Balls and functions. Some years ago a gaming license was obtained for the Imperial Court of all Alaska from the State of Alaska and the sale of "rippies" began, which greatly helped fund raising. In addition to scholarships, these dollars are immediately turned back to gay, lesbian or community wide nonprofit groups for their use. In recent years the annual Anchorage Pride Parade has been the recipient of significant financial support from the ICOAA.
The Imperial Court of all Alaska has statewide jurisdiction. Two Ducal Courts hold functions and Balls while serving their own communities. There is a Duchy of Fairbanks and a Duchy of Anchorage. There was a Duchy of Juneau but it has disbanded. Each year the Emperor and/or Empress travel to Fairbanks to officiate the elections of a new Duke and Duchess. There are several Fairbanks events, culminating in a Ducal Ball, at which time a Grand Duke and a Grand Duchess are elected. The results of the vote for Duke and Duchess are announced that evening. They also hold a vote for Emperor and Empress, but that ballot is kept secret until Anchorage votes on a later date.
Every reigning Emperor and Empress invests individual titleholders for their year. The higher the title given, the more those chosen will be expected to serve and work for the achievements of the Empire and Reign. Similar to the Emperor and Empress, the Imperial Crown Prince and Princess are elected by the entire community. Their election is during the middle of the Monarch reign so they assist four Imperial monarchs. The ICP titles are considered leadership proving grounds for those wishing to aspire to the office of Emperor and Empress. However, not all Emperors or Empresses have been ICPs.
The ICOAA is held in great esteem by the greater Anchorage and Alaska communities. Leadership is diversified to include men, women and transgendered persons. Or, more specifically—gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight leaders have believed in the spirit and benevolence of ICOAA enough to aspire to the titles of the throne. Several Emperors and Empresses have held the title more than once. This allows for sustaining a strong history as well as providing a mentoring strength for the future. |
