Night of Thousand Gowns

Pomp and circumstance were on full display at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square on March 27, as the New York chapter of The Imperial Court, a charitable organization with 70 chapters throughout the United States, Canada & Mexico, held its 18th annual “Night Of A Thousand Gowns” charity ball.

As they passed the sixth floor in the glass elevator, or looked down from the seventh-floor railing, hotel guests were astounded by the parade of magnificent gowns milling around the cocktail party outside the main ballroom. 

Many of the gowns were period recreations from the 18th century. Although the black-tie gala is known as a “drag” event, it attracted men, women, and people of all gender expressions, dressed in tuxedos and gowns of various styles. Some of the gowns were drop-dead, over-the-top- the royal family wished they could have one of these gowns. With hair and tiaras just as magnificent, the Imperial Court of New York could rival the best of any European monarchy—in style and grace.

Amid all the glitz and glamour the 1,000+ attendees experience—a four-course dinner, dancing, a Venetian dessert table, stage entertainment, the walk of the royal court—people sometimes miss the court’s real jewel: its humanity.

Founded in 1965 by Jose Sarrie, the organization helps the community at large by raising money for various charitable causes. This year’s charity ball beneficiary was The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), and a silent auction benefited the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights and AIDS Project.

Who can join the Imperial Court? Anyone can join as a Lord or Lady, and elevate through the ranks (Duke & Duchess, Count & Countess, Barons & Baroness, Prince & Princess or Princess Royal; you get the idea – and ultimately Emperor and Empress), which is based on service to the community and then voted on by the Board of Directors, who in turn are elected by the membership.

Many of New York City’s best-known drag celebrities turned out for the evening festivities, including impressionist Porsche and the legendary Boy George. At ten o’clock, Emperor XIII Ron (The Golden Ursus Emperor of Valor, Virtue, and Charm) and Empress XVII Demi-Tasse (The Hollywood and D’Vine Empress of Sincerity and Sympathy) led the royal court in a grand procession as they were presented to the audience. Later, new members of the Court were introduced and took their walk down the runway, along with honorary members who donated and purchased a title for the evening. Rebecca, from Philadelphia, walked so fast from the excitement of it all that her friend Kalina told me, “I didn’t have time to get a photo.” But Rebecca countered, “I don’t even care about the photo – it was a fabulous experience.”

The evening culminated just before midnight, when Emperor XIII Ron and Empress XVII Demi-Tasse took their final walk as reigning monarchs. A local drag performer, Trai La Trash, was crowned Empress XVIII and will serve until her reign ends in March 2005. I asked Demi-Tasse what advice she had for the new Empress, and she said, “To be Empress one has to keep their ego in check.” I wasn’t sure if that was a lesson she learned or an opinion she had about the new Empress, but it sounded like good advice either way.

The Imperial Court may have different rankings within their own organization. Still, through their personal efforts, commitment to community, singular and collective generosity, they have all elevated themselves to a higher state of grace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was “Night of Thousand Gowns, Again” about?

The article covers the 18th annual “Night Of A Thousand Gowns” charity ball, held on March 27, 2004, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square by the Imperial Court of New York[cite: 36].

Which organizations benefited from the 2004 charity gala?

The main beneficiary of the 2004 black-tie ball was The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)[cite: 36]. Additionally, proceeds from a silent auction benefited the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights and AIDS Project.

Who were the reigning monarchs and notable attendees at the 18th annual gala?

• Reigning Monarchs: Emperor XIII Ron (The Golden Ursus Emperor of Valor, Virtue, and Charm) and Empress XVII Demi-Tasse (The Hollywood and D’Vine Empress of Sincerity and Sympathy) led the procession and ended their reign during the event.

• New Empress: Local drag performer Trai La Trash was crowned Empress XVIII.

• Notable Guests: Drag impressionist Porsche and legendary singer Boy George were among the over 1,000 attendees.

How does membership and ranking work within The Imperial Court?

Anyone can join as a Lord or Lady and elevate through hierarchical ranks (such as Duke/Duchess, Count/Countess, Baron/Baroness, Prince/Princess, and ultimately Emperor/Empress) based on community service. Ranks are voted on by the Board of Directors, who are elected by the general membership.

Where can I learn more about Night of a Thousand Gowns? https://www.imperialcourtny.com/

First Published in GIRL TALK Magazine

Copyright 2004 – Brianna Nicole Austin – All Rights Reserved