EDGE San Diego

The entire community is invited to join Regent Emperor Allan Spyere and Empress Erika Odessa for Coronation XL and to celebrate the philanthropic royals in honoring the Impe- rial Court de San Diego’s 40th Anniversary as well as to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Empress Nicole the Great as the Queen Mother to the Americas. Events being held Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12 include the Tijuana Party at Redwing Bar, The Imperial State Dinner celebrating four decades of service by Empress Nicole the Great and a Victory Brunch at Numbers Nightclub. In addition, the official Coronation XL ceremony takes place Saturday, February 11 at the San Diego Marriot Mission Valley.

We sat down with Emperor Allan and Empress Erica to find out more about the upcom- ing events, discover some of their fondest memories during their reign and learn about some of the many contributions the organization has made to the LGBT community.

What inspired you to get involved with Imperial Court de San Diego?

Erika: I have been involved with the Imperial Courts system since I was 21. That was over 20 years ago. I started in Eugene, Oregon and moved to San Diego in 1997. I got involved here to continue the rewarding work of fundraising for organizations in need. The inspiration was the feeling that comes when you do something you enjoy while at the same time helping those in need.

Allan: For me, it all began back when I was working at Bacchus House and Robi Cox was elected Emperor. Once I got involved, I realized all the incredible work and causes and I wanted to be part of it. Nicole Murray Ramirez asked me if I was interested in running for one of the elected positions. At that time, I felt it was my time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I just didn’t know how much work was actually involved. Phew!

Can you sum up what this past year has meant to each of you?

Erika: This past year as Empress 39 has been very fulfilling. Along with Emperor 39 Allan and our court members, we raised over $70,000 for charity. That is truly something that the Imperial Court de San Diego can be proud of. Personally, I made some great new friends and recon- nected with old friends from the Pacific Northwest. It has been amazing spending time with Imperial Court friends whom I have not seen in a long time.

Allan: Knowing that on the night of Coronation XL our Court and Board of Directors will have given out over $70,000 during Erika and my reign, all benefiting so many people and organizations. Also, a great sense of family and
friendship has meant so much to me.

What sticks out in your mind as one of the highlights during your reign?

Erika: Our support of LGBT youth by raising funds for the Trevor Project and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. We are also giving out student scholarships at Coronation XL and it was great to help sponsor the Youth Prom at the Center. Also, there is nothing that can compare to seeing a child light up when they find out that they just won a brand new bicycle. At the Community Easter Egg Hunt it was quite a sight watching all the children scramble for those winning raffle tickets hidden in Easter Eggs. Another cool thing was to get to reign with a friend I have known since we were teenagers. The reigning Empress of Portland, Monica Blvd.

Allan: Oh my, there are so many for me! Our monthly visits to a senior convalescent center and providing food and toys for families during the holidays. Most definitely the Easter Egg Hunt, Blanket drive and the Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner.

What do you want people to know about the Imperial Court de San Diego?

Erika: It is a wonderful non-profit organization that raises funds for charity. This past year over $70,000 was raised. We are like the Gay Shriners, only in crowns and gowns. The Court membership is and has always been open to all and we are always looking for new members who enjoy fundraising for the community. We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at The Center. Come to a Court meeting or a Coronation to meet and greet Monarchs and courtiers.

Allan: The Court is open to all and our membership is one of the most diverse, especially ethnic-wise, out of any LGBT organization. We have no paid staff or office. We are an all-volunteer organization.

So what’s next for the two of you?

Erika: I firmly believe in supporting those who have supported me. So, what’s next for Empress Erika? First, I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND. Then during the next year, I will travel with the new Monarchs to events and Coronations. So, it will be another year full of friends, family and new adventures.

Allan: As for me, I am very involved with the Harvey Milk Foundation and I’ve just been appointed to the International Court Council of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The official Coronation XL takes place Saturday, February 11 at the San Diego Marriot Mission Valley. For more information about all Coronation XL events, call Emperor Allan at 619.300.1232 orEmpress Erika at 619.808.9529 or visit imperialcourtsandiego.com.