and money to organizations that benefit Port
land and Oregon’s queer youth populations.
“I wanted to have a title, and so I became
White Knight. 1 was so involved in the court
system, and you can actually do more when
you have a title,” explains Josef. With that in
mind, he decided to run for Emperor. “You can
do a lot more fund-raisers; you have a lot more
access to people and places.”
Although running unopposed guarantees his
title, it hasn’t stopped Josef from campaigning
night after night. “Yes, you want people to vote
for you, hut the other reason [for campaigning]
is to get people familiar with the court.. .Shel-
leY and Poison have really done a lot this
year— reaching out to other sectors of the com
munity. 1 would really like to continue that.”
One might wonder how a new monarch is
to cope with the responsibilities of reigning
over one of the most active court systems on
the West Coast. Rest assured there are plenty
of voices from the past to guide the new
Emperor and Empress as they navigate their
way through a maze of coronations, lots and
lots of outfits and flying the friendly skies with
large glittery metal scepters.
reflects years of experience from some of Port
land’s most beloved and memorable monarchs.
Remarking that when he was Empress there
were a mere three cities to visit for corona
tions, 30th Anniversary Empress Darcelle XV
(Walter Cole) warns, “Don’t try to do it all!”
Empress Champagne XXV (Duane Brooks),
hopes “the new Empress sets positive exam
ples...for this is how you teach the new ‘kids.’
Be all you can be, no matter who beats you
down, as you will rise above it.”
Rose Emperor XIX Jim Ploeg reminds the new
Emperor to “Enjoy your reign, serve your commu
nity well." Finally, Empress Michelle Craig XXXV
(Bill Spencer) suggests: “The most successful
Empresses have had their own unique sense of
style and personality. Be yourself! Being Empress is
a lot of work, hut it is also a wonderful and fulfill
ing fantasy.... Make the most of it!” JH
PORTLAND CENTER STAGE
C oronation 2002 begins 6p.m. Oct. 26 at the
Portland Airport Holiday Inn, 8439 N .E.
Columbia Blvd. Tickets are $35 at the door. For
more information about
other coronation
activities, visit
j M H L
Listen to your elders
A
t this year’s coronation the Rose Court will
honor the single, double and triple decade
anniversaries of three former Empresses
and one Emperor. Their collective sage advice
Illustration by Danelle Jones
Asking fo r tronble
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR
E
veryone knows every good
pageant includes a bunch of
meaningless questions. Not to be
outdone, Just Out poses our own pre-
coronation queries.
Why do you think you deserve to be
Emperor/Empress ?
Chloe Stone: I don’t at all feel I deserve to
be Empress; this would imply I am owed
something. 1 have 10 years o f experience with
the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court and have
actively worked toward the goal o f becoming
Empress. So when I am crowned, it will be
the result o f hard work, determination and
perseverance.
Jo sef Foxx:
1 don’t think I
deserve to be
Emperor, it is
just fate. 1
knew I was des
tined for great
things ever
since I played
the Frog Prince
in elementary
school.
T he new Em press XLV Chloe Stone
but during my campaign I have handed out fun
little mementos of my three-week campaign
(T-shirts, jewelry, buttons, etc.).
JF : 1 don’t have to bribe them. ..ever seen
my sm ile?:)
You’re the only contestant...w hat if you
don’t win?
C S : The
thought hadn’t
crossed my mind.
But, in all honesty,
you’re never pre
pared to be a win
ner if you’re not
prepared to suffer
loss.
JF : Then 1 for
got to vote for
myself!
D o you think
What will
newfound celebri
be your first
ty spoils nice peo
act as Emper
ple? (1 mean, look
or/Empress
at
what a bitch
should you
Poison becam e....)
win?
T he new Em peror X X IX Joseph A . Foxx
C S : Poison
C S : To walk
became?! Seriously, I don’t believe celebrity has
off the stage and hug my partner, who has put
anything to do with being Empress.... I’m a little
up with all of this insanity., .and possibly check
more low-key; my hopes for this year are that it
my face for any running mascara.
will not be as much about celebrity as about the
JF : The first act will be taking the show on
team.... It’s a blessing to give, and we have so
tour to Tacoma’s coronation! Hope we don’t
many wonderful folks who are so dedicated but
get the hook like the old Gong Show ....
rarely get to be in the spotlight. It’s my goal to
share those blessings this year with those people.
H ave you bribed the judges? W hat with?
JF : It might change nice people, but it will
C S : To become Emperor or Empress you
have no effect on me! JR
must be voted in, not judged. N o bribes here,
TRUE WEST
By Sam Shepard
October 29 - November 17,2002
A gritty - and hilarious - play about two brothers
who clash spectacularly on the way to the American
dream. Directed by Henry Godinez.
JOIN US NOV 5 th FOR GALA NIGHT
It’s GALA night at the Backstage Cafe * hors
d’oeuvres and a no-host bar with hostess Poison
Waters and members of the cast immediately
after the show. Thanks to Gay and Lesbian
Audience Night sponsor...
justrm
Call now for tickets $12-47
503.274.6588 I WWW.PCS.ORG
c enter
Stage
O RTLAN Q
P ortland C enter Stage
th a n k s True W est
sponsor...
W ELLS
FARGO