October 1 7 . 2003 ’ J u s t m i t
CULTURE
.............¥ .............
Coming up poses
S
ome may wonder why such seemingly
old-world entities as monarchies exist
in the queer community— and have for
decades now. (Portland’s has been in
existence for more than 35 years.)
But, unlike “real” royalty around the world,
queer courts have a purpose— surely a more
legitimate raison d'être than, say, the queen of
England and her tiresome spawn.
Beyond the obvuxis camp/satire aspect,
which coyly ridicules a historical symbol of het
erosexual power, courts also have traditionally
performed invaluable services in charitable fund
raising, organizing and helping create a sense of
community among queers.
Every October, we elect an Emperor and
Empress to reign over all us wayward fags and
dykes. This year on Oct. 25 during Corona
tion 2003: On the Town we say gixxlbye to Rose
Emperor XXIX Josef A. Foxx and Rose
Empress XLV Chloe Stone while three candi
dates vie for votes: Scoty DeVore Foxx and
Mark Hollywood are running for Emperor, while
Lotta Liquor is vying only with her own bad self
for Empress. (The titles are clothing-based— any
gender can compete for either crown.)
All their backgrounds and platforms reflect
the community spirit that drives the Imperial
Sovereign Rose Court.
Scoty has more than 15 years of experience
with the court, working on campaigns, raising
money and serving as Imperial Prince XXVI in
2000 and secretary of the board in 2002.
“We make good things happen,” he says.
“We raise money for charities that may other
wise stniggle or not be able to continue to
provide the services they do.” His focus, if
elected, would be to form stronger partner
ships with groups like the Oregon Bears,
eatingout
Word has it the president wasn’t invited
to Coronation 2003
by
G ary M o r r is
¡¡«•§2 V S
3
’ V A m * f-’i,
From left: Lotta Liquor is a shoo-in for Empress, while Mark Hollywood and Scoty DeVore Foxx
compete for Emperor on Oct. 25 during Coronation 2003
Northwest Gender Alliance, the leather com
munity and many others.
Like Scoty, Lotta Liquor brings some serious
business chops to her Empressdom as owner
and operator of the successful Commodore
Grill and Lounge. She, tixi, feels the court’s
mission has made it a pivotal part of the com
munity. “I see this as a position that will allow
me to have fun and raise money for charities
and scholarships,” she says.
Lotta began attending local coronations
“years ago” before she even knew what their
purpose was. She traveled with monarchs Poison
eatingout
eatingout
eatingout
Waters and ShelleY during their 2001-2002
reign to 25 cities, visiting other courts and net
working. “I was encouraged to run for Debutante
and, to my surprise, I won and was presented
with Outstanding Quirt Member of the Year.”
Hollywtxxl is equally zealous when it comes
to the court and the upcoming election. “I want
to give my heart, soul, tears and sweat to help
those in need within the G LBT community,” he
says. His background includes 13 years of con
tinual involvement, with major titles including
Mr. Gay Portland 20 and Mr. Gay Oregon 29.
HollywixxJ’s message to the trixips? “Vote for
eatingout
eatingout
someone who will work for you—one who under
stands the HIV-positive community, the home
less, and one who had lost almost everything due
to being HIV-positive. Vote from the heart.”
O f course, it can’t all he serious with those
tiaras and gowns and gender hijinks. Scoty, for
instance, would like to “start a campaign of
world domination.... Everybody will be required
to have fun at least once a day, and if they don’t,
I’ll have to make sure they get spanked.”
O f course, everyone wants to know what
they will wear at Coronation. Those budgets
must get out of control. “W hat’s a budget T’
smirks Lotta. “I make some of my outfits, but I
love to sh op.. .sometimes a girl just has to
have stuff.”
Hollywcxxl considers himself lucky to just have
to have so many outfits. “Many events call for
many different themes, and with my wardrobe, I
can go from jeans and T-shirt to evening wear,
i.e., tuxedo, suit, etc. Then for play, you should
see me in a pair of leather chaps. Woo-hix>!”
Asked what the world (or at least the Unit
ed States) would be like if it were mn like the
Rose G>urt, Scoty sees a world in which
“everyone would have food, shelter and toys to
play with!” (Adults and kids both, no doubt.)
For Lotta, the idea has definite appeal. “The
world would be a much prettier place: a little
glitter, a few rhinestones here and there never
hurt— and no George W !” J H
G ' ironation 2003: O n the T own begins
6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Crystal Ballrixnn, 1332 W.
Burnside St. Tickets are $35-$38 from the box
office or Ticketmaster.
Free-lance uniter G ary M orris is Emperor AND
Empress of his doumtown P(/rtland apartment.
eatingout
eatingout
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