By Seven O. Evans, Ph.D.
One the eve of OutClique’s 10th anniversary, I recently had the great honor to be recognized by the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida (ISCOAF) for the deep commitment that I and my amazing staff have to amplifying the LGBTQA+ community’s voices while fostering meaningful partnerships with businesses, organizations, and allies who share the vision of a more colorful, connected world.
One of more than 70 proud chapters in North America, Mexico and Puerto Rico of the International Court System, ISCOAF holds year-round fundraising events from drag shows, bingo nights, to elegant galas.
I was royally impressed at the First Annual Monarch’s Ball hosted by Juanita Voltaire Empress XXX of all Iowa, Queen Mother to the Emperor, and Emperor Rod Surreal Beaute, Reign 53, Czar of the Western States, ½ Emperor to Reign VII.
The United Church of Christ Ft Lauderdale was transformed into an enchanting setting for these glittering philanthropic crown jewels as they celebrated all the South Florida Monarchs and the community that supports them.
I also confess that it was also an introduction to the Court System. While we all know about Stonewall, few may have heard of the Black Cat Café, a club in San Francisco that was first ruled off-limits by the military after WWII and went to court to keep its liquor license before it was finally stripped of the license on Halloween in 1963. The date is important as Halloween was at that time the one night of the year that you could dress in drag and not be arrested.
Like Stonewall, it would be the genesis for a movement that has been foundational to our community. One of the club’s performers José Sarria, a San Francisco native and World War II veteran, closed out the night. When he was honored by the gay community for his advocacy a year later, he proclaimed himself Empress José I, The Widow Norton, with a nod to local icon and folk hero Joshua Norton who a century earlier had proclaimed himself Joshua Norton the First, the Emperor of North America and Protector of Mexico.
And with that, the non-profit Imperial Court System was born. Since 2017, the ISCOAF has been dedicated to raising money for the Florida community, by the Florida community.
The ISCOAF keeps 100% of the money raised here in Florida and it supports individuals in crisis, grassroots nonprofits and vulnerable populations with little institutional support. Current and past support for crucial services include services for the homeless, HIV/AIDS advocacy and support, HIV care and housing, community health and support services, youth services and LGBTQ+ programs, and animal welfare and rescue, among others.
In January 2026 the ISCOAF will hold its VIII Coronation as Courts throughout the system come to South Florida as it ushers in another year of strutting toward a brighter future.
