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Author: Will Bennett

Member Spotlight – Anne Tikk

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt, #RoyaltyGivesBack

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.

Today we highlight Viscountess Anne Tikk:

  • 1. When did you join/how long?
    • I have been with the court for almost 1 year and 4 months
  • 2. How did you hear about the court?
    • I came to know about the Court, through my very dear friends Trevor Reynolds and Morgana De Luxe
  • 3. Why the interest in the Court?
    • I wanted to do something that would make a difference. The Court allows me to do that.
  • 4. Please Give 3 to 5 adjectives describing the court
    • Inviting, generous, diverse, nonjudgmental
  • 5. What is the fondest memory?
    • Becoming part of The Mad Hatter’s Society. That has meant the world to me.
  • 6. Where would you like to see the court go in the future?
    • I would love to see it have a bigger presence, attracting newer members.

Member Spotlight – Dolores Dégagé Prima de Luxe

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt

Her Most Imperial Sovereign Highness, Imperial Crown Princess for Reign XXV

Dolores Dégagé Prima de Luxe

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.

  • 1. When did you join the organization / how long have you been associated?
    • I first joined the ISCofallCT in 2011.
  • 2. How did you hear about the ISCofallCT?
    • I found the organization through meeting and becoming friends with members Morgana de Luxe & Trevor Reynolds of the ISCofallCT at a dance production at Hartford Stage.
  • 3. What interested you in joining the organization?
    • My immediate interest was to become a part of such a community-oriented group of people with common goals of bettering the lives of our lgbtqia+ population here in Connecticut and beyond. To find like-minded friends and hopefully chosen family.
  • 4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISCofallCT.
    • “CHARITABLE”
    • “DONATIVE”
    • “PHILANTHROPY”
    • “VOLUNTARY”
    • “FUNDRAISING “
  • 5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?
    • It was the moment at a recent fundraiser when I knew that myself and other members, through our joy, authenticity and compassion had won over the doubting parent of one of our newer members. His words of acceptance and pride for his daughter were extraordinary. In that moment the work our members do through our organization took on a new meaning for me. Yes, we help our communities by raising funds so other community nonprofits can serve more people. But changing the opinions of just one individual to be more accepting and inclusive creates a ripple effect. Changing the world for the better with optimism, kindness & love.
  • 6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?
    • I would like to see our membership grow and reflect a wider spectrum of our communities here in Connecticut. Also to increase our visibility into all areas of the state and to partner with new venues. To create new fundraising initiatives and possible collaborative events with our neighboring Courts. To educate, increase acceptance and create safe spaces.

Northeast Ursamen – S&M Dinner

Will Bennett #25yrsofgiving, #RoyaltyGivesBack

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we also want to celebrate the folx who we support. Many of our members are involved in other organizations, and we are invited to attend / perform at their events. This past weekend, we had an amazing time at the S&M (Spaghetti and Meatballs) dinner hosted by the Northeast Ursamen and Connecticut Bear Chris Coyne. It was a night of great food, community and entertainment.

#RoyaltyGivesBack

Member Spotlight – Cassandra Fiore

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.
Today we highlight Empress 2004 Cassandra Fiore:
1. When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?
I joined the organization while it was The Nutmeg Empire. 28 years ago.

2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?
I met Monique (she was the last Empress of All of New England and Paul Caldwell her Imperial Crown Prince.) I joined the year Bambi Lee and Micheal LaBlanc’s reigned.

3. What interested you in joining the organization? The people, I was introduced to Panzi, Philomena and Coco LaChine in Rhode Island; I was in awe of them. I thought it was an amazing way to meet people & help the community.

4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?
Memorable
Dedicated
Honorable
Fun

5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?
Wow that’s a tough one. I would say it’s the incredible friendships I’ve developed over the years. The laughs we shared and hugs we gave during the losses. Having been fortunate to know our founder Jose The Widow Norton. Spending time with him and hearing his stories of fighting for our rights. Meeting Cindy Lauper and Mathew Shepard’s parents were incredible highlights.

6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?
To continue to persevere. I believe that there are still connections which can be made to politicians and corporations which would bring the organization to the forefront of the community.

Member Spotlight – Brandy Alexander

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt
Empress I, IX, XVII Brandy Alexander Amore

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.

1. When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?

Since 1997

2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?

I was doing a show at Frank’s Place in New London and a queen came up to me and said you should join the court, she told me about it and I joined.

3. What interested you in joining the organization?

The fundraising. I love giving back to those who need it.

4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?

Family, exceptional, fun

5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?

I would have to say the first time I was crowned Empress 1. It was such a magical night.

6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?

To get more involved with straight organizations

Life’s A Drag… Let’s Do Brunch!

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt, #Reign25, #RoyaltyGivesBack

For the past 18 years, The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut & The de Lux Sisters (Mini & Morgana de Luxe) have hosted Life’s a Drag, Let’s do Brunch! Every year the proceeds from that event have gone to the CT Breast Health Initiative , a state-wide non-profit that makes a significant impact in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer by providing grants to support education and research in Connecticut. This is what the Membership of The ISCofAllCT and Our Community & Friends Do, What We Do Best; Support and Give Back One Event at a Time. This year was a new venue for us, the fabulous Farmington Gardens!

Member Spotlight George Hicks – Richards

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.

Today we highlight Emperor 24 George Hicks-Richards:

1. When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?
– I joined in 2019. Mark and I had been “Court adjacent” for years so we decided to make it official!

2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?
– I was introduced to the Court by Mark (Hicks) Richards while he was reigning as Mr. Connecticut Bear. I met Vu Tran through him, who in turn helped me learn more about the Court and ultimately became my sponsor! My first event I attended was an ICP Ball held on the Yale campus.


3. What interested you in joining the organization?
– I was intrigued by the history and the outward expression of “Queer Royalty” and the fact that it was a volunteer organization. At the time, I was a titleholder in the leather community and was feeling a bit unfulfilled, as my regional title focused on advancement and representation over fundraising. My goal of becoming a titleholder was to hopefully raise funds and awareness to the needs of the queer community as a way of giving back and honoring the lives of so many companions and friends I had lost during the AIDS pandemic. The Court was offering an avenue for me to do just that.

4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?
– Chosen family, selfless, charity, commitment, purpose.

5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?
– It is really hard to pick just one! So here’s a few:
– Working with some of our amazing and talented members of the local drag community and Denali from RuPauls Drag Race to raise record funds for local charities at a Pride Afterparty.
– Having the opportunity to not only Reign with my husband, but to help change the norm and show that traditions can change and adapt and be successful.
– Handing out 5 figure checks to our charities and learning what the funds raised meant to them and how it opened up opportunities for them to grow.
-making my mother proud of me through my work as part of a nonprofit.

6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?
– I would like to see the organization continue to grow and evolve. The queer community is ever evolving, and we need to ensure all are welcome, loved and supported.

#RoyaltyGivesBack

Member Spotlight Natasha Rose Lombardi

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt
Natasha Rose Lombardi
 
 
 
 
As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.
 
Today we highlight Viscountess Natasha Rose Lombardi:
 
1. When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?
I joined shortly after I became a volunteer at Project 100, the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Community Center. I was originally a member of the Nutmeg Empire and rejoined twice once when it became the ISCofAllCT, I left and rejoined 4 years ago.
 
2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?
I heard about the court from several past members and joined to give back to the community and I am proud to be a member.
 
3. What interested you in joining the organization?
The thing that interested me the most, is how much of a family we are. We all work together to do what we do best. And that is to work together to raise monies for our great hard-working beneficiaries.
 
4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?
Exciting generous great teamwork beautiful
 
5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?
My fondest memory would be meeting “Mama Jose” during the Rhode Island Coronation. I am also honored to be a member of the 25th anniversary committee.
 
6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?
I would like to see us grow and become more diverse and have more creative events
 
#RoyaltyGivesBack

Member Spotlight Morgana de Luxe

Will Bennett #CTImperialCourt

As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. We would like to this opportunity to highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.

Today we highlight Empress 2013 Morgana de Luxe:

1.When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?

I joined the organization when we were still The Nutmeg Empire, so have been associated 27 years.

2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?

Through Empress IV Bambi Lee, The White Swam Empress

3. What interested you in joining the organization?

I grew up giving back to the communities and was taught by my father that we do this, because it is the right thing to do, with no expectations back.

4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?

Fun, Exhausting but worth it, Inspiring, Motivational, Lasting friendship

5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?

The first time I met Jose I, The Widow Norton, both mine and Trevor’s, but when I was Empress in 2013 and had a chance to attend True Colors and work with the youth and I was inspired to give them a ‘It does get better’ speech’ and received a standing ovation. One of my top ten moments that has affected me in my life

6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?

I think we need to meld with the times and find new ways to attract younger folx (considering I’m one of the oldest members) and try to become more connected with the Communities of Connecticut.

#RoyaltyGivesBack

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