Collection Guide
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Imperial Courts Collection, 1973-1994
Coll2012.130
Coll2012.130
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Table of contents
Title: Imperial Courts Collection
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2012.130
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.6 linear feet.
1 archive box + 2 archive cartons.
Date (inclusive): 1973-1994
Abstract: Photographs and negatives, flyers, organizational correspondence, court lists, polling sheets, clippings, notes, manuscripts,
annual reports, ephemera, and other material documenting activities of Imperial Courts, primarily in Southern California and
San Francisco, 1973-1994. The Imperial Courts originated in San Francisco in 1965 as gay community social and fundraising
events with a camp Imperial theme; the annual main event featured the coronation of elected monarchs (a king and queen) who
in turn selected a royal court.
creator:
Imperial Courts.
According to a short history from the collection, the Imperial Courts (or the "Imperial Court system") originated in San Francisco
in 1965 as gay community social events with a camp Imperial theme; the annual main event featured the coronation of elected
monarchs (a king and queen) who then selected a royal court. Imperial Court events soon assumed a more serious purpose (community-oriented
fundraising), while retaining their irreverent and festive spirit.
Contact ONE archivists regarding access restrictions.
Contact ONE archivists regarding publication and use restrictions.
Box #, folder #, Imperial Courts Collection, Coll2012-130, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California
In order to provide access to this collection, minimal processing on this collection was expedited in 2011. Date spans were
given whenever possible, but do not reflect the most accurate inclusive dates.
Photographs and negatives, flyers, organizational correspondence, court lists, polling sheets, clippings, notes, manuscripts,
annual reports, ephemera, and other material documenting activities of Imperial Courts, primarily in Southern California and
San Francisco, 1973-1994. According to a short history from the collection, the Imperial Courts (or the "Imperial Court system")
originated in San Francisco in 1965 as gay community social events with a camp Imperial theme; the annual main event featured
the coronation of elected monarchs (a king and queen) who in turn selected a royal court. Imperial Court events soon assumed
a more serious purpose (community-oriented fundraising), while retaining their irreverent festive spirit. The collection documents
fundraisers and other events staged by both local and cooperating courts.
Date and donor(s) of materials unknown.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Cross dressing--Competitions--United States
Drag balls
Drag shows
Gay clubs--California--Los Angeles
Gay men--Societies and clubs