Who We Are

The Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire of All Ohio, Inc. is the local, Cincinnati-based chapter of the International Imperial Court system, a network of almost 70 courts/chapters in North America. For over thirty years the Court system has raised 100,000s of dollars for charities and performed numerous noble deeds of community service. Much of this work revolves around charity drag shows and other entertainments used to raise donations for local charities.

History of the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire, Inc., All of Ohio

The Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire, Inc., All of Ohio, actually was born out of gay bowling leagues, which were prevalent throughout the Midwest during the early and mid-1980s. Cincinnati’s yearly bowling tournament, CIN-TIT, was (and still is) one of many gay bowling leagues located across the continent. One of the bowlers from Toronto, a distinguished gentleman named Bob Toane, was a regular visitor to Cincinnati with and without this group way back then! Some of the guys and gals from Cincinnati, including Miss Buffy, Lydia, and Tom Wherry, attended a bowling tournament in Toronto in early 1988. At this tournament, certainly with lots of partying going on, our Cincinnati folks stumbled upon and met a beautiful blonde who was the Empress of Toronto - Empress I Lauren Michaels.

While some details here are a bit sketchy, we know that at this time period Miss Buffy worked at the Pipeline, and we also know that during Lauren's reign, she came to Cincinnati and performed a one-woman show at the Pipeline - our best recollection stems to early summer of 1988. It was at this show that Lauren named Buffy as Imperial Crown Princess, Cincinnati to Toronto. Rather gracious on Lauren's part, as we feel reasonably sure that Buffy insisted on performing in Lauren's one-woman show! Sadly, however, no one from Cincinnati attended the step-down Coronation in Toronto of Empress I Lauren Michaels and Emperor I Sergio in November of 1988, but we are grateful for them forgiving Buffy. We think.

The Dark Ages prevailed then until fall of 1989, when four beautiful and talented young ladies - Miss Buffy, Lydia Grant, Angela St. James, and Kate Central Parkway - traveled to Toronto to witness the coronation of their Emperor III and Empress III (or the step-down of Empress II Veronica Blake) in November, 1989. This date is generally accepted as the start of the Court in Cincinnati, because at a Coronation after-hours party, these four young ladies got into a discussion with several monarchs from Toronto as to how Cincinnati could start a Court. (And knowing these four beautiful and talented young ladies, we feel reasonably certain that cocktails may have been involved.) The girls were advised by Empress III Dawn Valley Parkway that since Buffy held the title of "Imperial Crown Princess, Cincinnati to Toronto" from Lauren Michaels for a year, that she could be appointed Empress of Cincinnati. Lauren’s Emperor, Emperor I Sergio (Toronto’s first), was in attendance at this party; so it was he who named Miss Buffy as Cincinnati’s first appointed Empress and administered her oath of office.

The original four young ladies came back to Cincinnati and were now in charge of a brand-new legitimate Court. They began holding regularly scheduled meetings and recruiting people who drank a lot (starting the perpetual rumor that you have to be an alcoholic to join the Cincinnati Court). Some of our Court’s familiar faces were part of this growth, including Crystal Jar, Olive America, T.C. More, Grace Sick, Rachel, Jeff, Andrea Fleming, Billy, Kevin, Owen, Nita Miller, and Stephen Helfrey, among many others too numerous to mention. The first Investitures ceremony was held in W.G. Magic's (now Shooters), in February of 1990. Angela St. James was named as Imperial Crown Princess, and Tom Wherry was named as Imperial Crown Prince. Crystal Jar had been a debutante with the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court (Portland, Oregon) under Empress XXVIII Dora Jar, and she was instrumental in securing attendees from Portland (including Dora and Tonya Rose) for these first investitures. It was Dora Jar who gave us our name of "Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire." Regent Emperor III of Houston, Mark Alexander, also attended these Investitures as he was a Cincinnati native. Of course, there was also a good representation from Toronto. Furthermore, we believe that Buffy never had an Emperor because no prince was ever named from Toronto as her counterpart, and the original four young ladies were much too busy with cocktails to be concerned with figuring out how to select an Emperor.

Somewhere after the Investitures, the Court began conducting fund raising activities and recruiting new members. Buffy’s reign, which lasted for an eternity (and she never let us forget it), started the "Tree of Life," which has been conducted by every reign since that time and benefits Caracole House. H.I.M. EMPRESS III of Toronto, Dawn Valley Parkway, created (this idea.) Amid the cocktails, camaraderie, and travels to Portland, Dallas, Houston, Lexington, and Toronto, the group knew that Cincinnati needed to have a Coronation. Plans were begun to conduct this first event.

The first voting of Emperor and Empress of Cincinnati’s Court was conducted in late July, 1991 at Spurs. That year there were two candidates for Emperor: Jeff Stemmer and Billy Bolyard, and two candidates for Empress: Ima Hagg (now Olive America) and Angela St. James. Cincinnati’s first coronation was held in August, 1991 at the Travel Lodge in Newport (being a new Court that had very little funds, the group went for the most economical place they could - and Newport was then, and still is now, a part of the Greater Cincinnati area). The election results were announced: the first elected monarchs were Billy Bolyard and Angela St. James.

Billy and Angela were handed quite a pile, and their reign brought about more of the friendly and familiar faces you've met, including Rick, Spike, Cricket, and Wayne. Billy and Angela became the Blue Sapphire Eye of the White Tiger Emperor and the Fire and Ice White Diamond Empress. Their ICPs were Tom Wherry and Grace Sick; they were the House of Saints and the Court of Hope. New courts they made contact with through attending coronations included Buffalo, Fort Worth, San Francisco, San Fernando Valley, Reno, Connecticut, and London, and their reign attended 11 coronations. It was during this reign that the format that is currently used for Investitures was established. During the summer of 1992, there were two candidates for Emperor - Tom Wherry and Wayne Davidson - and one candidate for Empress - Kate Central Parkway. On August 15, 1992, Coronation II was held, titled "One Moment in Time - Share the Fantasy." Billy and Angela stepped down and were succeeded by Wayne Davidson and Kate Central Parkway.

Wayne and Kate became the Sterling Rose Black Leather Emperor and the Jeweled Serpent Cowboy Sweetheart Empress. Wayne and Kate's reign incorporated AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC) as a designated charity and began the Court's Art Auction and Casino Night. During this reign the Miss Queen City pageant became a Court event as well. The ICPs for this reign were Owen Harper, who started the Court's celebrity t-shirt auction, and Cricket. Wayne and Kate were the House of Hearts, and the Court of Growth and Prosperity. New courts they connected with through traveling included Calgary, Edmonton, Boise, and Hamilton. Their reign attended 13 coronations. During the summer of 1993, there were two candidates for Emperor - Doug Moore and Kevin Raleigh - and two candidates for Empress - Cricket and Jamie Clay. On August 20, 1993, Coronation III was held, titled "How the West Was Fun." Wayne and Kate stepped down and were succeeded by Kevin Raleigh and Cricket.

Kevin and Cricket's reign incorporated the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR) as a benefactor of the Court's work and also branched the fund raising activities into Butler and Montgomery Counties in Ohio for charities in those areas. This reign began the format currently used for the Court's annual celebrity t-shirt auction; also, it started the Court's annual "Miss Magical Makeover" contest. This pair was known as the Silver Ankh Blackjack Emperor and the Jazz Hot Crystal Cabaret Empress. The ICPs during this reign were Spike and Rachel; their house was the House of Diamonds and the Court of Ambition and Perseverance. New courts they made contact with through attending coronations included Regina, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Vancouver BC, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Their reign attended 19 coronations. During the summer of 1994, there was one candidate for Emperor - Spike - and two candidates for Empress - Jamie Clay and T.C. More. On September 10, 1994, Coronation IV was held, titled "The Fabulous 40s: Soldiers, Sailors, Songs, and Savvy." Kevin and Cricket stepped down and were succeeded by Spike and T.C. More.

Spike and T.C. were instrumental in creating and securing corporate sponsorship for the Court and establishing excellent communication and rapport with designated charities. They also continued many of the successful fund raisers that were started in the years before them. This pair was known as the Absolut Emperor and the Ever-Full Crystal Goblet "Miss Thing" Empress. The ICPs during this reign were Prince Charles and Olive America; their house was the House of Glass and the Court of Magic and Miracles. Both monarchs continued the tradition set before them with out-of-town travels, visiting those cities that were familiar and friendly with Cincinnati. Their reign attended 6 coronations. During the summer of 1995, there were two candidates for Emperor - Jim Smith and Ray Besse - and two candidates for Empress - Rachel and Olive America. On September 9, 1995, Coronation V was held, titled "The Crystal Ball: An Absolut Fantasy." Spike and T.C. stepped down and were succeeded by Jim Smith and Rachel.

The fifth house, presided over by Emperor V James and Empress V Rachel, was the House of Rainbows and the Court of L.U.C.K. - love, unity, community, and kindness. This duo was known as the Golden Eye of the Rising Falcon Emperor and the Faberge’ Rainbow Ziegfeld Empress, and their ICPs were Jim Garmon and Rhonda Flaming. This reign continued previous fund raising events set before them and took them to new standards, most notably the casino night (which has always been during the day), Christmas card sales, the annual art auction, and the annual HOG calling party. Their reign attended 16 coronations, with new representations at Everett and San Jose. . During the summer of 1996, there was one candidate for Emperor - Ray Besse - and two candidates for Empress - Christina Blake and Jamie Clay. On September 7, 1996, Coronation VI was held, titled "An Evening at the Ziegfeld Follies." Jim and Rachel stepped down and were succeeded by Ray Besse and Christina Blake.

The sixth house was the House of GOLD, for Glitter, Optimism, Luck, and Diversity, presided over by Emperor VI Ray Besse and Empress VI Christina Blake. They named their Court as the Court of Fantasies. Ray and Christina were known as the Ruby Eye of the Golden Cobra Emperor and the Glitter and Sapphire Stardust Fantasy Empress. The Court’s first annual cheesecake contest was introduced during this reign, as was the Emperor turn-about show. This reign also further opened lines of communication among gay/lesbian organizations, with fund raising events scheduled and executed for the first time for Stonewall Cincinnati and New Spirit MCC Church. The American Cancer Society also received donations from the Court for the first time. This reign attended 17 coronations; new courts visited included Seattle, Tacoma, and Fresno. The ICPs for this reign were Jeff Stemmer and Tamika. During the summer of 1997, there was one candidate for Emperor - Jeff Stemmer - and two candidates for Empress - Tamika and Oxana Da’Bull. On September 6, 1997, Coronation VII was held, titled "A Twilight Adventure in the Golden Castle - A Masquerade Ball." Ray and Christina stepped down and were succeeded by Jeff Stemmer and Oxana Da’Bull.

Oxana became the Golden Hearted, Go-Go Boy Lovin’, Jeweled Ox Empress; Jeff was the Aquiline Rainbow Bald Eagle Emperor. Oxana and Jeff were the Court of WILD (Willingness, Integrity, Levity and Dreams) Desires, and the House of Big and Tall, Oxtails and Feathers. The reign attended 14 Coronations, and during this reign the ISQCCBE visited Winnipeg for the first time. The ICPs for this reign were Dale Pleiman and Miss Tate. This reign hosted the most successful Celebrity T-Shirt Auction, combined with The Big Three Party, both in honor of The Lady Chablis. The events netted over $25,000 from the weekend. In addition, during the reign, the ISQCCBE was the recipient of the "Court of Distinction" Jose Honor for outstanding accomplishment in reaching the goals of the International Court System. The summer of 1998 proved exciting as there were two candidates for Emperor – Dale Pleiman and Big Bob Bowles – and two candidates for Empress – Tamika and Miss Tate. Cincinnati was steamin’ on September 12, 1998, as Coronation VII, "Where the Wild Things Are…Beyond the Royal Menagerie, A Costume Fantasy," occurred. Oxana and Jeff became dowagers and Dale Pleiman and Miss Tate were crowned.

The last full year reign of the 1990s was the eighth house, presided by Emperor VIII Dale Pleiman and Empress VIII Miss Tate. Dale was the Rainbow Macaw Leather Lovin’ Jaeger-Monster Emperor, and Miss Tate was the Hot ‘n’ Spicy, Whip Crackin’ Jaeger-Drinkin’ Empress of Perpetual Pleasure. The ICPs for this reign were Sam Clemons and Booshee Rayburn. Dale and Tate were the House of Pride and the Court of Promise – for Perseverance, Respect, Optimism, Merriment, Integrity, Service, Excitement. Their reign attended 13 coronations, and for the first time, Cincinnati was represented at Hawaii’s Coronation. The annual Miss Big Bone Lick Pageant was expanded to include the new barony of Louisville, and the Butler County AIDS Ride Bike Run brought in $5000 and expanded the Court’s presence and impact throughout Butler County. This reign also incorporated more events in non-traditional settings, including Oscars, the Corinthian and the Syndicate, thereby expanding the Court’s presence into the city and the straight community. During the summer of 1999, there were two candidates for Emperor – Mike Angeline and Will Fugett – and one candidate for Empress – Booshee Rayburn. Coronation IX was held on September 11, 1999; the theme was "Disco Decadence - Sunshine Days to Boogie Nights." Dale and Tate stepped down and were succeeded by Will Fugett and Booshee Rayburn.

Will and Booshe were known as the Diamond-Studded, Fun-Lovin' Lion-Hearted Emperor and the Viper-Tongued Empress of Vamp, Camp and Tramp for the House of Courage and the Court of Colors.  The ICPs for this reign were Darren Smith and Gypsy Russell.  Their reign attended 14 coronations, and for the first time cincinnati was represented at Austin, San Antonio, Albuquerque and Las Vegas.  Will and Booshee concentrated on working in more venues in the city, and their reign brought the inclusion of Bullfishes and Jacob's into the Court family.   In addition, they expanded the Court's presence and activities to include community service, while also initiating the Court's "Miss Porkopolis" pageant.   During August 2000, there was one candidate for Emperor-Darren Smith-and two candidates for Empress-Gypsy Russell and Charity Case.  Coronation X was held on September 16, 2000, titled "That's Entertainment - A Salute to the Silver Screen."  Will and Booshee stepped down and were succeeded by ????

Darren and Charity were appropriately known as the Court of Lush and the House of Sin.  Darren was the High Flyin’, Black Raven Cowboy Lovin’ Emperor, and Charity was the Pink Diamond Phoenix Empress of Love, Laughter and Loyalty.  The ICPs for this reign were Geoff Grady and Ginger Snap.  Their reign attended 17 coronations, and they were instrumental in re-solidifying the bonds between Cincinnati and the Courts of Texas.  Darren and Charity concentrated their efforts to assist Caracole House, YWCA Breast Health and AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky. This reign began a new format for the Court’s art auction, and during their reign the Court re-joined the Cincinnati community by becoming a Coalition member.  They also initiated the food drive for Caracole House, and they began the Court’s pool party and pig roast. During August 2000, there were two candidates for Emperor – Sam Clemons and Geoff Grady – and, for the first time, three candidates for Empress – Mercedes Sweet, Gypsy Russell and Ginger Snap.  Coronation XI was held on September 8, 2001, titled “A Hot Caribbean Night – From Cabana Boys to Voodoo Princesses.”  Darren and Charity stepped down and were succeeded by Geoff Grady and Gypsy Russell.

Geoff and Gypsy were known as The Preppy Loafered, Kettle Drinkin', Amethyst Eye of the Jazzy Jaguar and The Sassy and Brassy, Tell It Like It Is, Black Onyx Eye of the White Tigress for the House of Diversity and the Court of H.O.P.E. - Healing, Optimism, Prosperity and Eternity.  Their reign attended 11 Coronations including the Adornment Ball of the newly created Barony of Chicago.  Geoff and Gypsy continued their support for AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky, Caracole and YWCA Breast Cancer Awareness.  The Cincinnati Court was saddened and deeply grieved by the death of Emperor XI Geoff Grady.  Emperor IX Will Fugett assumed the position of Regent Emperor XI and was known as The Fun Lovin', Diamond Studded, Lion Hearted Cobalt Regent Emperor.  During August 2002 there was one candidate for Empress – Ginger Snap and one candidate for Emperor – Sam Clemons.  Coronation XII was held on September 7, 2002 titled “Carnival – A Night at a Venetian Masquerade Ball.”  Gypsy and Will stepped down and were succeeded by Sam Clemons and Ginger Snap.  

Sam and Ginger are known as the Bull Ridin' Blue Rhinestone Cowboy Emperor of Lassos, Spurs & Chaps and The Marabou & Diamond Black Swan Empress of Dignity, Class & Unity for the House of S(purs) & M(arabou)  and the Court of S.H.O.T.S. - Sincerity, Honor, Opportunity, Trust, Success.  The ICPs for this reign are Roberta Bigg and Jay Rickels.  The monarchs have attended seven Coronation events:  Toronto, Louisville, Connecticut, Denver, Buffalo, Lexington and Vermont. Ginger and Sam's designated charities for Reign XII include AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky, AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, Caracole Inc. and YWCA Breast Cancer Awareness. During August 2003 there were two candidates for Empress – Queenie Sweet and Truly Scrumptious and two candidates for Emperor – Michael Angeline and Jay Rickels.  Coronation XIII was held on September 6, 2003 titled “Moulin Rouge - From the Red Room to the Bedroom, The Show Must Go On!”  Ginger and Sam stepped down and were succeeded by Jay Rickels and Truly Scrumptious.