Reign 8 of the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut (2007–2008) was led by Emperor John M. Howard, known as “The Sapphire and Sterling Phoenix Emperor,” and Empress The Divine Spice Celestial, known as “The Enchanted Winter Empress, Keeper of the Disney Divas.”
Reign Accomplishments include:
- Providing leadership during the Court’s formative years, helping strengthen and grow the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut as an emerging chapter within the International Court System,
- Advancing the Court’s mission of charitable fundraising and community service, supporting local LGBTQ+ causes and nonprofit organizations through events, performances, and community engagement activities. The Court’s core purpose during this era was raising funds and awareness for charitable beneficiaries across Connecticut.
- Expanding visibility and participation within Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community, helping build the foundation for the Court’s continued growth and long-term success. Their reign contributed to the organization’s development into one of Connecticut’s most enduring LGBTQ+ fundraising institutions.
- Left a lasting legacy of service and community spirit, with both monarchs remaining remembered within Court history. Empress Divine Spice Celestial, in particular, is still honored as one of the Court’s notable past leaders and community figures.
Summary
Under the leadership of Empress The Divine Spice Celestial and Emperor John M. Howard, Reign 8 helped solidify the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut’s reputation for charitable giving, community involvement, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Their stewardship strengthened the Court during its early years and helped lay the groundwork for the organization’s continued success in fundraising and service throughout Connecticut.
Where they are now:
From 2007, Reign 8 Emperor John Howard is still an active member of the CT Imperial Court. Now Retired, John loves to split his time between in his garden and his kitchen both of which produce wonderful foods! Under the supervision of his faithful canine partner Gavin, John also likes to host informal get togethers of not only his court family but the Connecticut Primetimers, a social organization for older gay and bisexual mature men.
From 2007, Reign 8 Empress The Divine Spice Celestial sadly passed in Sept. of 2016. In her off time, The Empress worked at Disney as a jungle cruise skipper and helped at the haunted mansion. Affectionately known as The Winter Empress, Spice loved the winter season and the holidays. She was definitely a diva but was one of the sweetest people to know. In addition to singing the Canadian National Anthem at Night of a Thousand Gowns (NYC Coronation), she slso played Edna Turnblad in a stage version of hairspray in Burlington, VT.
Royalty Gives Back
Saturday September 12th
6:00pm – 9:00pm
FREE ADMISSION
458 Wethersfield Ave. Hartford, CT.
860-525-3243
Royalty Gives Back
