HISTORY OF THE IMPERIAL COURT OF LONG BEACH

In 1971 Mr. Rick Ford produced the first Coronation Ball of The Royal Court of Long Beach. The Court was granted a charter by the Imperial Court of San Francisco, with the founder of the Imperial Court System Empress 1 Jose the Widow Norton crowning the first monarchs.

The first elected Monarchs of Long Beach were Emperor 1 Gregg and Empress 1 Madam Leslie. Each year thereafter-new Monarchs have been elected to serve and represent the community and the Empire of Long Beach.

In the VIII (8) Reign the Courts membership became divided and a second court was formed named The Privy Court of Long Beach. This Court lasted four years until the election of the monarchs in reign XVI (16).  Emperor XVI June Bug, Empress XVI Dorothy Big Mouth, Emperor XVI Tom Barry and Empress Trixie along with several Imperial Family members were able to bring the two courts together to form what is now The International Imperial Court of Long Beach Inc.

Since its first years the IICLB Inc. has been involved and supporting fundraising events and non-profits in our community. It is one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian organizations in the city of Long Beach. Some of the nonprofits the Court of Long Beach has given financial support to are Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Inc., Lamda Democratic Club, Zero to Success, Metropolitan Community Church, Christ Chapel Long Beach, Being Alive, The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Long Beach and the C.A.R.E. program at St. Mary’s Hospital. The IICLB supports the local Aids Hospice Homes and during the Holiday Season the court members take gifts and sing Christmas Carols to the residents.

Along with Coronation the Court produces several events throughout the year.  The IV (4) reign in 1975 started Mr., Miss, and Ms. Gay Long Beach, which today are known as Mr., Miss, and Ms. Gay Pride Long Beach. Winners of this contest participate in the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade and Festival. Another annual event is the King and Queen of F.R.O.G.S. founded by Bazillo in 1973.  F.R.O.G.S. stands for Furthering Relations of Gay Society. Winners of these events must produce a fundraiser before their one-year reign is complete.

The International Imperial Court of Long Beach Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization. The IICLB Inc. is an all-volunteer membership organization that does not discriminate against gender, color and sexuality.